Stage 1 - Rotterdam to Brussels, 223.5km
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By Alex Murray
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1151: The break has gained a seven minute advantage already. Lars Boom waving to fans suggests they're enjoying it and the bunch isn't chasing too hard. Saxo Bank have come to the front and will keep the gap manageable until the likes of HTC-Columbia and Garmin-Transitions decide to close is down.
1145: So will it be a day of drama or, as predicted, a bunch sprint?
UrlaubInPolen: "Prediction: despite all hope to the contrary, it will be boring. Any splits that happen will happen before Middelburg and be brought back together between then and the stage finish. It will go to a tedio-sprint. Some Dutch, Belgian and French riders will get into a break, along with possibly a Milram or Katyusha rider."
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1136: French television are running a piece about the legend of the Lanterne Rouge, Wim Vansevernant, the only man to claim the honour of finishing last three times. The current holder would seem to be Mathieu Perget of Caisse d'Epargne after the withdrawl of Mathias Frank and Manuel Cardoso who both finished the prologue covered in blood after crashing heavily in the wet.
1130: So our first break of the Tour is Boom (RAB), Wynants (QST) and Perez (EUS). With the big Dutch and Belgian interests represented, the peloton won't be in a hurry to chase them down just yet.
1124: As the flag goes down it's Rabobank and Quickstep who are the first to attack with an Euskatel rider joining them. The Rabobank rider is Lars Boom, former Dutch champion.
1114: Ceremonials over, the riders roll over the Erasmus Bridge towards the start proper. Cancellara is resplendent in yellow with matching bike, helmet and sunglasses. Lance Armstrong is also riding at the front as he starts his final Tour.
1100: Welcome to Stage One of the Tour de France 2010. As we head from Rotterdam to Brussels, the real racing gets under way. While there's no British representation in the men's final at Wimbledon today, there's a genuine contender for today's stage at Le Tour. Expect side winds down the coast and a sprint finish that could see Manxman Mark Cavendish battling it out for a stage win.
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