Monday, July 3

TdF: Stage 2

The flat Stage 2 of the Tour de France from the Alsace region of France and Germany into Luxembourg was dominated, not surprisingly, by sprint specialists like Belgium's Tom Boonen, Norway's Thor Husovd, and Australia's Robbie McEwen and Stuart O'Grady. Thus far, no real surprises. Two Americans remain in the top ten--with George Hincapie and Floyd Landis demonstrating that their early status as frontrunners was well warranted:

1. Thor Hushovd (Norway)
2. Tom Boonen (Belgium)
3. Robbie McEwen (Australia)
4. George Hincapie (USA)
5. Alejandro Valverde (Spain)
6. Stuart O'Grady (Australia)
7. Michael Rogers (Australia)
8. Paolo Savoldelli (Italy)
9. Floyd Landis (USA)
10. Manuel Quinziato (Italy)