By John Trevorrow in London
Simon Gerrans (Ag2r Prévoyance) was happy to start his Tour de France in London to the cheers of huge fan turnout but knows that his work will really start with Stage 1. The 27 year-old Australian will be riding the Tour to support team leader Christophe Moreau.
"It was a great way to start the Tour. Big crowds and big atmosphere," he said after his 7.9-kilometre day. "It was actually a tough little circuit, pretty quick early and then a long straight with a block head wind. It was quite technical and I imagine you could have had some problems if you were really flat stick.
"But I wasn't taking any risks. It would mean the difference between finishing 80th or 140th. My job starts from tomorrow."
Gerrans is a little worried about his form. "I don't know but lately, with me, it seems that if I'm not a bit crook then I'm getting over being crook. And at the moment, I'm getting over being crook so hopefully I'll come good in a couple of days.
"At the moment I'm still not brilliant but I haven't got a lot to do in the next couple of days. My job starts a bit later."
Fans are likely to see him leading the charge in the mountains. "Well I hope that we are in the position that I have to try. Christophe has good climbing form so he should be in the mix."
