In 2006 André Santini had the honour of launching the “Race to the Sun” for the fourth time in his town, Issyles-Moulineaux. [01] During this prologue of 4.8kms, last year's winner, Bobby Julich, triumphs with a one second edge over Kashechkin. [02] Manifestly, Tom Boonen has a taste for coloured jerseys. Winner of the first stage with the rainbow jersey, [03] he seizes the lead the following day wearing the yellow jersey, [04] then two days later is wearing the green jersey. [05] Nothing and no-one seems able to stop the Belgian rider and his impressive thirst for victory in this start to the year. The first serious climbs of the season wreak havoc [06] but two men play their game well at the finish in Saint-Etienne: Vila Errandonea, [07] who claims his first victory among the professional ranks in the Loire, and Landis, who seizes the leader's jersey that no-one will subsequently be able to win from him. The following day neither the col de la République, at the beginning of the race, nor a student demonstration [08] can prevent Boonen from triumphing in Rasteau. On the road to Digne-les-Bains, via the col du Corobin, Rodriguez holds solidly and triumphs. [09] As they approach the côte d'Azur, the riders are once again faced with snow, but also sun, [10] in a stage typical of Paris-Nice, marked by the strong efforts of the French riders, Chavanel, Casar, Voeckler and Moncoutié, in the lead, [11] but nevertheless attacked and beaten by the opportunist Kashechkin on the Tanneron. The tenacity of Zberg, in the climbs in the countryside just inland from Nice, is rewarded on the Promenade des Anglais: he outsprints his fellow breakaway riders Petrov and Contador and wins the final stage. [12]