Click here to view a gallery of photos from the Tour de France prologue by Andy Jones
Click here to view a gallery of photos from the Tour de France prologue by Luc Claessen
Fabian Cancellara (CSC) proved without a doubt that he is the fastest rider in the world and a deserved world time trial champion and with impressive victory in the Tour de France prologue time trial in London.
Cancellara?s time of 8-50 for the 7.9km course around central London was only the third fastest time ever in a Tour de France time trial and so Chris Boardman kept his record for another year but Cancellara?s dominance was clear to see.
?It?s a great day. I beat Lance Armstrong in Liege in 2004 but this time there was a lot more pressure,? he said after beating Andreas Kloden by 13 seconds.
?Racing with the world champion?s jersey in London and being the big favourite means it?s impossible to be under more pressure. All world was talking about me as a favourite but fortunately I knew my form was good in the Tour of Switzerland and being under pressure before this year?s Paris-Roubaix really taught me a lot.?
Cancellara?s win continued the success of Swiss sport.
?I think Switzerland is the heart of sport at the moment. Alinghi won the America?s Cup, I hope Federer can win Wimbledon for a fifth time on Sunday and I?ve won the yellow,? he said.
?The only problem is the football team. It?s great for Swiss sport and for cycling in Switzerland and around world.?
Cancellara clarified that he no longer works with controversial coach Luigi Cecchini and insisted he and the CSC team can be role model for younger riders.
?I think all the world knows there are problems in cycling. I want to be an example for the future and for other riders. In recent years I?ve progressed gradually and to do that you have to train hard and learn how to handle the pressure. If you work hard you can achieve things in cycling, that?s the message I want to send for the future. I think the Tour de France starting in London can be a great way for a new future for the Tour de France.?
?As a team we?re trying to look to the future. And if people don?t believe us they should come to our training camps and the races to see how we really work.?
Before starting to celebrate his second Tour de France prologue win, Cancellara sent a message to British Airways who lost his suitcase three days ago when he flew into London.
?Please British airways, find me my suitcase. It?s been lost for three days now and I really need it to put my yellow jersey in it. I hope someone can find it and give it me back.?
Click here to view a gallery of photos from the Tour de France prologue by Andy Jones
Click here to view a gallery of photos from the Tour de France prologue by Luc Claessen
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