Please, join us for live blogging of the Prologue of the 2012 Tour de France. Live coverage will begin from 8:30PM, will full coverage from 10PM.
>> Live: 2012 Tour de France – Stage 1 – Liege to Seraing
It’s finally here, le Grand Depart for Le Tour from sunny Fran… I mean, Belgium? That’s correct, this year’s edition of the Tour de France starts with a 6.4km prologue through the streets of Liege, Belgium.
The city that is more commonly associated with being the start and finish of the oldest one day race in the world, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, this year also has the privilege of hosting the start of la Grande Boucle.
This prologue individual time-trial is short, fast and furious. It is the same as was used in 2004, when Liege last hosted the start of the Tour. The winner then was a much younger Fabian Cancellara – beating Lance Armstrong by two seconds.
With so much of Fabian’s season lost to the crash in the Tour of Flanders, you can bet he will be pushing to repeat the result of eight years ago.
Looking at the course, there are five turns close to or at 90 degrees – not including some other sweeping bends. It makes for one of the more technical of prologue circuits, meaning other time trial specialists like Tony Martin and Bradley Wiggins are a very real chance of taking the win.
The latter however may choose to ensure a high placing and avoid the win, as conserving his Sky team mates for the rigors of the coming weeks will key. Having them on the front of the peloton too early will certainly not be in the Team Sky game plan.
Another contender to watch out for is rising star Peter Sagan. He took the win in the recent Tour de Suisse 7.4km prologue by four seconds over Cancellara, so would certainly fancy his chances on the opening day.
Something else to watch out for is Cadel Evans’ start. As he is the defending Tour de France champion it means he will be again in the maillot jaune. Hopefully not for the last time this Tour. However we only got one look at him in it last year, so another will certainly be great for all his fans both in Australia and abroad.
I know I’m excited, I’m sure you are too! I have no doubt it will be memorable and as someone who loves a time trial I’ll do my very best to answer and all questions you might have.
So please, join us tonight for live blogging of the start of the 2012 Tour de France.
c
Guest
Where is the commentary of Phil L on SBS?? That Matthew Kenan is awful and annoying!
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Forgiven!
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
Pleasure mate. Thanks for the company :)
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
Thanks for the great night. I'm off to bed. Racing + Tour = out like a light!
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
Van Garderen leads the white jersey classification. Wiggins will be in green tomorrow. Fabian in yellow. And Lucien van Impe awarded a (retrospective) polka dot jersey.
DerailleurED
Roar Rookie
Cheers for the updates Nick!
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
Nothing massive. No concerns.
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
Thanks for tuning in folks, been fun!
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
And I think it was Pat McQuaid counting Fabian down on the start ramp.
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
What a start to the Tour. Fabian stamps his authority and is certainly "back!"
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
van Garderen sneaks into 4th 5th Boasson Hagen 6th Lancaster 7th Gretsch 8th Menchov 9th Gilbert 10th Girvko
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
Cadel loses only 9" or so to Wiggins. Fabian takes the stage. Wiggins in 2nd Chavanel in 3rd
DerailleurED
Roar Rookie
5 seconds would be good
DerailleurED
Roar Rookie
absolutely smashed it
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
Now for Evans to minimise his losses to Wiggins.
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
Fabian has it! Easy!
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
Best time at half way for Fabian. Bring it home Spartacus!
DerailleurED
Roar Rookie
unbelievable, amazing ride
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
Same for Nibali.
Tinea Pedis
Roar Guru
Excellent time for Hesjedal.