Spectacular start for 2009 Tour
By Daniel Simms published
15km time trial to sort men from boys
This Tour's spectacular start will separate the men from the boys. The inaugural time trial of 15 kilometres is already long enough to make the favourites show themselves, especially since a part of the route will lead the riders up the coastal hills and into the hinterland of the glamorous city. It is a demanding, technical route with several particularly steep climbs, including a 10 percent incline.
The descent is slightly technical with a right hand hairpin at the 4km-mark, as well as four tight curves to master just before the riders hit the seafront straight to the finish in the old harbour.
Just like Formula 1 racers, the riders will start their dash at the Formula 1 Grand Prix starting line before entering the Tunnel and launching into the home stretch on the famous route de la Piscine.
Vaughters' views
This will be a test of skill, climbing ability, time trial prowess, and judgment - all abilities one needs to win the Tour. Who are my favourites? Alberto Contador is who'd I'd pick, but I'm sure a very on form Fabian Cancellara and a very skinny Brad Wiggins will be in the mix. Look carefully at the top 10, and you'll see many a name that you'll be seeing a lot of for the next 3 weeks.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
after your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59

Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Latest on Cyclingnews
-
Matias denies McGill at the line and wins stage 2 at Volta a Portugal
Wildlife Generation rider finishes second in bunch sprint -
Trek-Segafredo win Postnord Vårgårda WestSweden TTT
WorldTour teams dominate 35.6km test -
Doebel-Hickok climbs to stage 2 victory at Tour des Pyrénées
German youngster Bauernfeind takes second atop Col du Soulor -
Sivakov wins overall at 2022 Vuelta a Burgos
Almeida takes the stage 5 victory on Lagunas de Neila