Contador, Kloden, Leipheimer and Armstrong all look to be ready to hold off any threats to their goal. Team will ride defensively on flat stages and take control in the mountains, with the added help of Popyvich and Zubeldia.
Stage 1 Results:
1. Fabian Cancellara, Switzerland, Team Saxo Bank, 19 minutes, 32 seconds.
2. Alberto Contador, Spain, Astana, 18 seconds behind.
3. Bradley Wiggins, Britain, Garmin-Slipstream, :19.
4. Andreas Kloden, Germany, Astana, :22.
5. Cadel Evans, Australia, Silence-Lotto, :23.
6. Levi Leipheimer, United States, Astana, :30.
7. Roman Kreuziger, Czech Republic, Liquigas, :32.
8. Tony Martin, Germany, Team Columbia-High Road, :33.
9. Vincenzo Nibali, Italy, Liquigas, :37.
10. Lance Armstrong, United States, Astana, :40.
Best ride of the day goes to stage favorite Fabian Cancellara, who tore up the route. Still the best Time Trialist, but no threat for overall.
Biggest disappointment of the day is Team Columbia-Highroad who placed only one rider in Top 20, and that was their youngest rider at age 24. However, they have excellent chance of winning up to six stages.
And hats off to Team Garmin-Slipstream. 4 riders in top 20. Look for them to do well in Team Time Trial and then fade away.
Stage two prediction. Mark Cavendish, anyone not picking him is just guessing.
My final picks for overall: 1. Contador, 2. Menchov, 3. Leipheimer
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