What’s the Tour de France without a little doping controversy? Here’s the news, notes and quotes from Stage 1 of the 2015 Tour de France.
2015 Edition Starts With Controversy
Dutchman Lars Boom started the Tour de France on Saturday despite showing low levels of cortisol in a test on the eve of the race.
Low levels of the hormone can be explained by the use of corticoids, anti-inflammatory drugs that are allowed out of competition but forbidden while racing unless a rider is granted a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).
Boom had an outside chance of victory in Saturday’s 13.8-km time trial but eventually finished 23rd, 44 seconds behind winner Rohan Dennis of Australia.
Booom’s Astana team had already been under the microscope of the UCI’s License Commission after multiple doping positives in 2014 and this newest controversy could reopen proceedings for their license.
BMC’s Rohan Dennis Wins At Record Speed
BMC Racing Team’s Rohan Dennis piloted his BMC timemachine TM01 to the fastest average speed in Tour de France history in winning Saturday’s opening stage individual time trial.
Dennis averaged 55.45 kilometers an hour over the 13.8-km course through the streets of Utrecht, The Netherlands, to take the win by five seconds and earn the first yellow jersey of the three-week race. His average speed surpassed the previous Tour de France record mark set by Chris Boardman 21 years ago.
“We went with the tactic of going off early – there’s no stress, you don’t have to sit around all day – just set a benchmark and make everyone else chase me,” Dennis said. “It worked out perfectly. Tour de France … yellow jersey … it’s a dream. I have always wished to be in this position and now I am.”
Tony Martin Second In Scorching Heat
Etixx – Quick-Step’s Tony Martin finished 2nd, 5″ down on winner Dennis (BMC Racing Team) in the Stage 1 individual time trial.
“I knew starting the Tour de France with this time trial was a great chance for myself and the team to possibly wear the yellow jersey in Utrecht,” Martin said. “I did the best preparation possible to be at this race at 100 percent. I had great support from the team and the staff around me, so I could really focus on the race.”
“I am sure in different weather circumstances I could do better. Still, considering everything, to still finish 2nd I am happy about it. I always want to win, but today I found a great Rohan Dennis who deserved the victory. There is still a big opportunity for yellow in the next days.”
Contador Satisfied With Results
Tinkoff-Saxo’s Alberto Contador finishes 46th on the opening 13.8km TT at Tour de France, 15 seconds off last year’s winner Nibali.
After crossing the line in Utrecht, Alberto Contador said that he decided to approach the first half of the course at a slightly lower intensity in order to finish off strongly.
“It was a very tough time-trial and I felt my legs quite well, I had good sensations. The race course was very, very fast. I decided to take the first half of the race at a slightly slower pace and then push hard. I got off slower but then I wasn’t able to finish off strongly. All in all, I think it was a normal time-trial and all the favorites are within a few seconds of each other. We now have to focus on tomorrow”, Contador concluded.
Thibaut Pinot Impresses
Often cited by defending champion Vincenzo Nibali as a rider to watch on the Tour de France, Thibaut Pinot made an early impact by beating all the pre-race favorites in the opening time trial on Saturday.
The French climber, who has dramatically improved with his efforts against the clock in recent years, finished the 13.8-km course in 18th place, 41 seconds behind stage winner Rohan Dennis of Australia.
Dutch Coastline Up Next
Sunday’s 2nd stage stays in the Netherlands, starting from Utrecht before ending 166 kilometers (103 miles) later at the heart of the Zeeland Delta. Cycling along the Dutch coastline promises to be tricky, with heavy gusts and sprays.
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