Now that I am in Holland working for a few months. I can enjoy some special events going on, like the Dutch football team beating Brazil on Friday. And yesterday we went to see the start of the Tour de France in Rotterdam. Was a great event, big crowds, only the weather was not cooperative. About the first 20 riders and the last 30 had reasonably dry roads.
Levi Leipheimer on the Erasmusbrug.
Vinokourov did not make a top ten.
The Erasmusbrug and the crowds.
At the foot of the Erasmusbrug, at the end of the loop, was probably the nastiest turn in the wet conditions. The riders stategies in taking this turn were interesting to watch. This rider takes the motor racer approuch (pointing knee into the turn).
The Erasmusbrug, nicknamed as the swan.
Fresh Dutch road champion Niki Terpstra was the best Dutch finisher.
Andy Schleck, a contender for the overall classification, had a bit of an off day.
Denis Menchov was not the top Rabo finisher.
Cadel Evans did not impress today.
Crowds on the Koninginnebrug.
Giro d’Italia winner Ivan Basso.
Juan Antonio Flecha.
The Boss, Lance Armstrong, on his way to the 4th time.
Eventual winner Fabio Cancellara, averaging better than 53 kmh! To avoid bad luck he pinned on his number (13) upside down.
Two time tour winner Alberto Contador, not spectacular with 6th.
The Willemsbrug, one of the theer bridges in the course.