Spain’s new national champion Alejandro Valverde took a commanding win in stage 1 in an exciting finish. A stage where we saw an early breakaway, a few crashes, but a steady pursuit by the peloton, to be capped off by an impressive last move and climb by Valverde.
After the race Valverde said, “I’ve Acheived two of my objectives: to win a stage and to wear the yellow jersey. That’s done today. …It gives me peace of mind for the rest of the race.” We don’t expect Valverde to rest on his victory though.
As one of the big contendors this year, this stage win definitely shows that Valverde is in fine form and the competition should be worried. What are your thoughts? Was this better than having a prologue? Getting right to the pure racing? Let’s hear your comments!
Results after stage 1
1. Alejandro Valverde, Caisse d’Epargne - 4h 36′ 07″
2. Philippe Gilbert, Française des Jeux - 00′ 01″
3. Jerome Pineau, Bouygues Telecom - 00′ 01″
4. Kim Kirchen, Team Columbia - 00′ 01″
5. Riccardo Ricco, Saunier Duval-Scott - 00′ 01″
6. Cadel Evans, Silence-Lotto - 00′ 01″
7. Fränk Schleck, CSC-Saxo Bank - 00′ 01″
8. Filippo Pozzato, Liquigas - 00′ 01″
9. Oscar Freire, Rabobank - 00′ 01″
10. Oscar Pereiro, Caisse d’Epargne - 00′ 01″
Links to news sites…
“Valverde wins 1st Tour de France stage
By JAMEY KEATEN
PLUMELEC, France (AP) — Alejandro Valverde of Spain won the first stage of the Tour de France on Saturday with a ride through flat country, the opening of a three-week race trying to restore its luster after years of doping scandals.” - Read more from the Associate Press…
“Valverde strikes first blow with first yellow jersey
PLUMELEC, France (AFP) — Spaniard Alejandro Valverde drew first blood in his bid to win the Tour de France by pulling on the yellow jersey for the first time after a thrilling first stage here Saturday.
Valverde, riding for Caisse d’Epargne, punched his way past Luxembourg’s Kim Kirchen late on the final climb leading to the uphill finish of the 197.5km stage to claim just his second stage win on the race.” Read more from the AFP…
“Valverde powers to opening stage victory
(CNN) — Spaniard Alejandro Valverde, one of the pre-race favorites, won Saturday’s opening stage of the Tour de France, held over 197.5km of undulating terrain, to pull on the race’s leader’s yellow jersey.
Valverde powered past Luxembourg’s Kim Kirchen in the final 300m as the tiring stage ended in a nasty uphill finish, depriving the recognized team sprinters of any involvement in the final rush to the line.” Read more from CNN…
