Tour de France’s opening stage dominated by RED

Fabian Cancellara was incredible yesterday and very few doubted his abilities on the hilly and technical course around Monaco. The ‘Swiss Time Machine’ covered the 15.5km individual time trial course in 19'32", an average speed of 47.4 kph. Cancellara rode SRAM’s new 1090 R2C (return to center) shift levers, providing him (and R2C rider Lance Armstrong) the most aerodynamic front ends in the peloton. All the team Saxo Bank riders have also adopted R2C shifters.

Cancellara also rode his brand new red and white custom (Swiss colors) Specialized ‘SHIV’ time trial frame completely equipped with SRAM RED. "I showed today that not only I am the fastest in the time trial but that I've come back 100%. It has been hard to comeback to the top level, so today to take the Maillot Jaune is something I appreciate a lot."

Fabian finished 18" ahead of SRAM RED equipped Alberto Contador (Astana). Contador, favorite for the overall win at this year's Tour, showed why he was wearing the Spanish TT champions jersey as he was fastest up the Côte de Beausoleil at the 7.5km mark. He now wears the best climber’s jersey. "I'm in good form, so now I hope to stay at this level," Contador added post-stage.

Three other Astana riders were in the Top 10 on stage one, a powerful performance from the SRAM RED equipped squad. Andreas Kloden was 4th at 22", Leipheimer 6th @ 30", while seven-time Tour winner Lance Armstrong had a superb ride to finish 10th.

1) Fabian Cancellara Team Saxo Bank (SRAM RED w/SRAM R2C SL’s) in 19:32
2) Alberto Contador Astana (SRAM RED) in 19:50
3) Bradley Wiggins Garmin - Slipstream in 19:51 at 00:19
4) Andréas KlÖden Astana (SRAM RED) in 19:54 at 00:22
5) Cadel Evans Silence - Lotto in 19:55 at 00:23
6) Levi Leipheimer Astana (SRAM RED) in 20:02 at 00:30
7) Roman Kreuziger Liquigas in 20:04 at 00:32
8)Tony Martin Team Columbia - Htc in 20:05 at 00:33
9) Vincenzo Nibali Liquigas in 20:09 at 00:37
10) Lance Armstrong Astana (SRAM RED w/ SRAM R2C SL’s) in 20:12 at 00:40