59th Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré 07

Bradley Wiggins wins the Prologue

Heinrich Haussler wins Stage 1

Prologue

Bradley Wiggins blew away the competition in the 4.2km Prologue around Grenoble in the opening of the 59th Dauphine. The flat stage was a simple out and back affair, with rain early in proceedings drying for the big guns. With his ride, Wiggins sent out a clear message to all, including his team management, that he's a contender in the Tour de France Prologue next month.

Neither Levi Leipheimer (Discovery Channel) nor Andrey Kasheckin (Astana) could get closer then 1.45sec, such was the pace of a determined Wiggins. Top time-trialer David Zabriskie (CSC), a certain rival in the London Prolouge, placed 6th over three seconds adrift, while fellow Brit, David Millar, finished 11th.

Before the Dauphine, Wiggins' place in the Tour was uncertain. The Cofidis team wanted a good performance from him in the Dauphine before making a final decision. Winning the Prologue in such commanding style must surely mean he can begin focusing on the London Prologue.

Stage 1

Before that though, Wiggins will be hoping on a few more days in the yellow jersey. Stage 1, 219km from Grenoble to Roanne, ended in a sprint finish won by Heinrich Haussler (Gerolsteiner), beating big hitters Tom Boonen and Thor Hushovd in the process. The Cofidis team made sure Wiggins remained in yellow, and he'll surely be hoping to stay in the leaders jersey heading into the time trial on Wednesday.

General Classification