Prologue
- by Cathy Mehl
Prologue: Strasbourg, 7.1 km / 4.4 mi
“The show must go on.” According to the New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy this American proverb means: “People are counting on us to do this, and we must not disappoint them.” Despite a doping scandal that rocked the 93rd Tour de France a mere 24-hours before the start of the Prologue today, the show did go on and we certainly were not disappointed.
The 93rd Tour de France began in Strasbourg today with a 7.1 km Prologue. The city of Strasbourg lies half way between Paris and Prague, and is known for its Cathedrale Notre-Dame and its famous canals that serve as perfect transport for viewing the ancient city and were used for the Team Presentation several days ago.
Riders from 20 teams took part in today’s race against the clock on the 7.1 km Prologue course that wound around the city of Strasbourg. A pan-flat course, it was an opportunity for the time trial specialists to announce their true form and tell the world that while thirteen riders were cut from the team rosters on Friday, 176 showed up to race on Saturday. Flat, flat, flat was the profile for today as the cyclists made their way out a divided highway to the start point of a loop of 5km, which took them in a clockwise route back to the start point.
Sebastian Lang, the German TT Champion, held a long early lead, but things changed rapidly as the final ten favorites launched off the block and times started to fall. Sprint specialists Thor Hushovd (Credit Agricole) made a huge opening statement as he crossed the line four seconds faster than Lang’s time and could only watch and wait as the other favorites were on course. Dave Zabriskie (CSC) an early favorite didn’t seem to have quite the punch we’re used to seeing, as he came in just ahead of Lang’s time.
It was then up to Discovery Channel’s George Hincapie to own the day, as Big George flew out of the start house last on course. Hincapie looked strong and steady, fully in control of his ride as he swept through the final turns on the short course at full speed. Crossing the line a mere .73 seconds behind Hushovd, George held his hand to his helmet for a moment in disbelief to how close he’d just come to winning. Hushovd took the stage win and the first yellow jersey for this year’s Tour de France with a winning time of 8:17:00.
George has recently spoken of coming to this Tour better prepared and better trained than ever before, and today’s opening performance shows his words to be true. A great ride by Hincapie, as well as a high placing by Paolo Savoldelli show the Discovery Channel team has no distractions in this race and are ready to ride.
* Where was Floyd Landis (Phonak) at the start today? A cut in his tire was found at the last minute and they decided to change it rather than risk a puncture and that resulted in ~6 secons delay in his start…