2009 Tour de France, stage 1 results, Fabian Cancellara wins

July 4, 11:22 AMSeattle Endurance Sports ExaminerLynne Butler

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  2009 Tour de France, Fabian Cancellara wins Stage 1, AP/L. Rebours

Under beautiful skies and amidst a massive crowd, the much anticipated 96th Tour de France began with stage 1, a 15.5 kilometer time trial in the principality of Monaco.

Fabian Cancellara (SUI) of Team Saxo Bank won the stage in 19 minutes, 32 seconds, his 3rd Tour de France prologue win. Alberto Contador (ESP) of Astana was 2nd, 18 seconds behind, and Bradley Wiggins (GBR) of Garmin-Slipstream, was 3rd, 19 seconds behind Cancellara.

Andreas Kloden of Astana, at 19 minutes, 54 seconds, was the first rider to break 20 minutes today. Lance Armstrong of Astana was 10th, finishing in 20:12.

The course took the riders to the foothills of the Alpes Maritimes and included a category 4 climb to a 205 meter elevation, with a descent into the scenic, bustling Boulevard Louis II at Port Hercule.

The exciting race continues with stage 2 on Sunday, a 187 km route from Monaco to Brignoles.

Overall Standings after Stage 1:

1. Fabian Cancellara (SUI) Team Saxo Bank, 00:19:32
2. Alberto Contador (ESP) Astana, 00:19:50
3. Bradley Wiggins (GBR) Garmin-Slipstream, 00:19:51
4. Andreas Kloden (GER) Astana, 00:19:54
5. Cadel Evans (AUS) Silence-Lotto, 00:19:55