In a stronger than usual field in Switzerland, Fabian Cancellara pulled out a 1 second lead over Roman Kreuzinger. Cancellara, usually a great time trial rider, rode flat out for the majority of the short 7 and 1/2 km stage and sprinted at the line to gain the advantage. Cancellara, riding his likely his final Tour de France warmup (as is the rest of the field), looked very strong though it was such as short stage. Liquigas rider Kreuzinger finished second 1 second behind, while HTC's Tony Martin took third (3 sec). It was a good ride for young Peter Sagan, who finished fourth, also 3 seconds behind. I do not expect Cancellara to stay up front, as there is a long way to go and very steep competition behind him. The stage tomorrow has one rather early climb and then is a flat run to the finish line.
Expect tomorrow to go to the sprinters, and the overall standings to stay pretty much the same. Peter Sagan, currently 3 seconds behind, could end up in yellow considering he will be in contention for the sprint. I expect Cavendish to go all out tomorrow, as it will be one of the last chances for him without having to worry about too many climbs. The race contenders will eventually find their way to the top of the overall order, but not yet. STANDINGS AFTER STAGE 1
1. Fabian Cancellara
2. Roman Kreuzinger -1
3. Tony Martin -3
4. Peter Sagan -3
5. Dries Devenyns -10
12. Michael Rogers -14
14. Kim Kirchen -17
17. Levi Leipheimer -18
21. Nicolas Roche -21
24. George Hincapie -22
31. Andy Schleck -24
31. Andy Schleck -24
44. Lance Armstrong -29
45. Ryder Hesjedal -29
46. Frank Schleck -29
48. Robert Gesink -30
55. Andreas Kloden -32
56. Matteo Carrara -32
65. Phillipe Gilbert -37
67. Luis Leon Sanchez -38
88. Dave Zabriskie -44
129. Thor Hushovd -59
138. Gregory Rast -1:07
164. Christian Vandevelde -1:33
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