Evans and Rogers with mixed reactions

By John Trevorrow in London

Cadel Evans (Predictor-Lotto) and Michael Rogers (T-Mobile) are both riding for the Tour de France overall victory but the two Australians came away from the 7.9-kilometre prologue with mixed reactions.

"I was pretty happy with that," said 30 year-old Evans. "It is all about not losing time on my GC competitors and not going too deep into the zone." He finished 36" back on the stage winner, Fabian Cancellara.

"I feel pretty good and it's just a matter of keeping near the front without digging in too deep and not getting caught in any prangs."

"Today was not my day," 27 year-old Rogers noted. He finished 37" back. "My form has been improving but I was not happy with the effort. Luckily, my knee was really good and that was the most positive thing to happen. I can honestly say that I feel that if my knee stayed good then I can challenge for the Tour de France."