Just as predicted, stage 1 of the Criterium du Dauphine came down to a mad sprint finish at the end, this one won by Slovenian Grega Bole. Bole kicked at just the right time to defeat Peter Velits and Geraint Thomas at the line. Since this was a sprint finish, most of the peloton got the same time (top 54 riders). Alberto Contador is still not trying to win, but I'm sure one more night in yellow couldn't hurt. Contador's team did not try to give him the win, however, as they allowed a breakaway containing 5 riders (Biel Kadri, Cyril Gautier, Dominique Rollin, Sabastien Minard, and Mattieu Ladagnous) to almost get away and allowed some of the other teams to do the majority of the chase work. Another story to keep an eye on is that top contender Denis Menchov lost significant ground, finishing in a smaller pack 1:11 behind the lead group. This gap could stretch on him unless he makes a move soon to get back some time. Tomorrow's stage is also relatively flat, with one fairly large climb near the end. 
This could allow for someone to try to go right over the top of the peloton as they approach the climb. I think it will come down to another sprint, though, as nearly every team has someone in contention and would not be supportive of the idea of a long breakaway. I don't think Menchov will try to attack yet tomorrow, as there is still a time trial stage on Wednesday as well as a few stages in the mountains to make up the ground. Again, I would keep an eye on Astana to see what they decide to do with Contador.
CLASSIFICATIONS AFTER STAGE 1
1. Alberto Contador 2. Tejay Van Garderen -2 3. Janez Brajkovic -5 4. Geraint Thomas -10 5. Dario Cataldo -1210. David Millar -15
16. Chris Horner -18
64. Denis Menchov -1:35
MOUNTAINS
1. Mattieu Ladagnous 9
2. Cyril Gautier 8
3. Kevin Seeldrayers 4
POINTS
1. Geraint Thomas 38
2. Grega Bole 32
3. Christophe Riblon 26
TEAM STANDINGS
1. Quick Step
2. Astana -8
3. Garmin-Transitions -9
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