Dauphiné Libéré prologue wrap-up: all-Anglo podium

Not entirely unexpectedly, the English-speaking riders dominated the prologue of the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, with David Zabriskie (Team CSC) winning in a time of 4.35.84 for the flat, non-technical 4.1 km course in Annecy. In second place, just under 2 seconds behind Zabriskie, was fellow American George Hincapie (Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team). Both riders hadn't raced at the top level for a while, while third placed Stuart O'Grady (Team CSC) is also on the comeback trail after a crash in Tirreno-Adriatico earlier this year.

"I've been training hard back home in Utah, but I have to admit I'm still a bit surprised I could take the victory today," said Zabriskie to team-csc.com. But the route was perfect for me and I had a good feeling from the beginning, so I knew I could make a great result.

"It's a tough race, but of course I'll try to hang on to the leader's jersey as long as I can. I've improved my climbing skills, so now we'll just have to wait and see how far I can go."

Team CSC's director Alain Gallopin was more than happy with the performance of his boys. "It was a beautiful victory for Dave and a very impressive third place for O'Grady. Dave is incredible on a completely flat time trial, but I also think he can do well in the mountains. There's no doubt he has hit top form for this race, which also promises well for the upcoming races."

Click here for the full results & report and photos.