Cycling Through Croatia

The pack pedals during the 14th stage of the Tour of Italy cycling race, from Trieste, Italy, to Pula, Croatia, Sunday May 23, 2004. (AP Photo/Alex Trovati)

A pack of riders from the Giro d'Italia ride past the Roman amphitheatre during the 14th stage, in Pula, Croatia, Sunday May 23, 2004. For the first time Giro is extended to Croatian region of Istria. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic) AP
 

A pack of riders cycle through the coastal town of Porec, Croatia prior to the start of the 15th stage of the Giro d'Italia, Monday May 24, 2004. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
 

Italy's Alessandro Petacchi celebrates after winning, for the seventh time in this edition, a stage of the Tour of Italy cycling race, from Trieste, Italy, to Pula, Croatia, Sunday May 23, 2004. (AP Photo/Marco Trovati)