CyclingRevealed's First Impressions '06

Stage 1, July 2nd, Strasbourg to Strasbourg, 183 km

Good and Evil

While the cycling world reels from the evil news of recent weeks we are seeing the good side of the sport as the Tour gets under way. Anyone who has been to see the Tour will know of the incredible atmosphere that surrounds the whole event. This year we are again seeing huge roadside crowds excitedly cheering on the riders along the whole route. For her part Mother Nature has bathed the race in brilliant sun, blue skies and very warm temperatures. At this point ‘Operacion Puerto' seems nothing more than a bad dream.

Starting and finishing in Strasbourg , this mostly flat stage stayed in the Rhine valley avoiding both the Alsace climbs in France and the Black Forest climbs in Germany . Before WWI the Alsace region of France was German territory. The old parts of Strasbourg and the beautiful little towns to the south of the city reflect the medieval German wood frame architecture. But most surprising to first time visitors is that German is the common language of this region of France .

The opening leg of today's stage traced the spectacular ‘Route du Vin' which heads south from Strasbourg and passes through some of the most well preserved medieval towns in Europe. Alsatian wine is world renowned with classic names like Gewürztraminer which is a dry white wine with a very distinctive and rich aroma.

Whenever the Tour enters Germany a record number of spectators turn out and today was no exception. Naturally Jan Ullrich would have been their number one interest but today they offer equal passionate support to the entire colorful peloton. But as the peloton raced back along the German side of the Rhine valley they had little time to bask in the adulation of the road side masses as they focused on the serious business of racing.

Seeing the Tour start yesterday and now watching today's stage head out on to the open road we see a marvelous reflection on the robustness of the human spirit. The mood within the peloton must be reflecting deep emotions ranging from anger, to fear, to disbelief about the whole drug storm. The show goes on and hopefully we are seeing “the new cycling world” take it's first faltering steps as the race puts on a great and spirited show.

A break of seven riders dominated the day but as is usually the case with such stages the sprinters were having none of it. Quick.Step (for Tom Boonen), Davitamon (for Robbie McEwen) and Milram (for Erik Zabel) started a serious chase with about 60km to go. It was interesting to see how the elevated speed caused the last third of the peloton to tail off the back and then form a series of bordures in an attempt to maintain contact with the main body of the bunch.

An amusing feature of the day was to see the French Gendarmes controlling the roads and crowds in Germany as the German police stood aside simply watching. Such cooperation is the result of very long and detailed discussions between the two countries. This was a pleasant example of European harmony in an area with a very long history of bitter strife between the two countries.

Like spring snow the once five minute advantage of the break melted away as the bunch cranked up the pace over the final 25kms. With 15km to go the junction was made. The break had survived for 166km. Walter Benteau however powered away from his former break companions just before the catch and managed to hold the bunch at bay with a brave but doomed effort. He met his fate with 7km to go. Behind him the final intermediate sprint produced a surprise contest with George Hincapie gaining two seconds and thus becoming virtual GC leader.

A lot of riders fancied their chances for the final bunch gallop into town. Boonen, McEwen, Zabel and Hushovd were all there. They were trounced by Jimmy Casper and all of France celebrated. Unfortunately the typical day one nerves caused Thor Hushovd to crash just as he crossed the finish line.

Casper's big smile [ Image ©: www.gazzetta.it ]

Adding to his injury pain poor Hushovd also lost his Yellow Jersey to George Hincapie. For Hincapie to finally emerge as Tour leader is a wonderful reward for all his years of selfless work for Armstrong. After two days the signs are looking good for George. The rest of the bunch are probably astounded that yet again the Discovery Team are leaders of the pack!

Hincapie in Yellow! [ Image ©: www.gazzetta.it ]

Tomorrow: another fast flat stage for the stage tailor made for the big Belgian, but watch for a surprise. Obernai to Esch sur Alzette (Lux), 223km. Come back here for our report.

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