Stage 1 Results

Stage 1 of the 2006 Tour de France took us in a big 185km (115 mile) loop which started in Strasbourg, made its way into Germany, and then back to Strasbourg. The route went through some beautiful country side. That is one reason I like to watch this race. Today was a day for the sprinters. (Some of the craziest people that you can put on a bike.) On the final intermediate sprint, George Hincapie sprinted out of the field for the bonus time. One of Hushovd's Credit Agricole teammates counter attacked, and passed Hincapie for the 2nd-place - 4 seconds bonus. But Hincapie still got a 2 second bonus which put him in the Yellow Jersey at the end of Stage 1.

Hushovd did not have a good day. He was injured on the final straight, with the finish line in sight. It looked as if his right elbow caught on something held over the barriers by a spectator. It looked really bad. There was blood everywhere. I hope he is able to start tomorrow in stage 3.

The top five for stage 1

1. Jimmy Casper (COF) 04:10:00

2. Robbie McEwen (DVL)

3. Erik Zabel (MRM)

4. Daniele Bennati (LAM)

5. Luca Paolini (LIQ)

Overall standings (top 5)

1. George Hincapie (USA) DSC

2. Thor Hushovd (NOR) C.A at 2"

3. Erik Zabel (GER) MRM at 6"

4. Sebastian Lang (GER) GST at 6"

5. Alejandro Valverde (ESP) CEI at 6"

Stage Map

(From www.olntv.com)

Stage Topography

(From http://www.olntv.com/)