14 DAY TRIAL // This is one of the flattest stages of the 100th Tour de France and I think that the best course of action would be to lay low, keep all riders near the front and try to just go through the day without any more incidents.
The first mountainous stage arrives on Saturday and that means I have two days to make sure that my team is rested and ready to drive up the climbs as fast as possible in order to give Andy Schleck a chance of taking back the minutes he lost.
The crash could have effects on his form and if that happens, I will have to switch strategies in order to get another rider a shot at the Yellow Jersey, probably either Andreas Kloden or Haimar Zubeldia, once more depending on daily form.
As with almost all flat stages, riders sought to get away from the group as soon as the race started and a strong group of three managed to stay clear.
They were, of course, doomed to be caught but I only contributed to the chase in a limited ride with Irizar.
The sprinter heavy teams did their job and timed the run to the finish line almost to perfection, capturing the remains of the breakaway just in time to launch a very solid sprint.
Initially, Greipel looked like he could go all the way but the train for Argos Shimano was better organized and managed to keep Kitel protected for a longer period.
The German rider sprung to action and even managed to hold off a late challenge from Mark Cavendish in order to take his first win of the 100th edition of Le Tour de France.
None of my own riders kissed the pavement and I consider that a win in itself.