McEwen keeps tank topped

By John Trevorrow in London

Robbie McEwen was happy with his prologue ride on the opening day of the Tour de France. The 35 year-old Aussie kept gas in the tank for the sprint stages which start with today's run to Canterbury.

"It all went pretty much to plan," explained the 11-time Tour stage winner. "I got early and did about five laps on the course and got comfortable with it. I then rode and kept it at a threshold and made sure there is plenty in the tank for tomorrow."

McEwen is ready to face his competition in the coming sprint days. "I'm pretty happy with my ride but it really all starts tomorrow for me," he continued post-prologue ride. "There are a few young guys who will definitely be trying to serve it up, as I did a few years ago, but it will all be decided in that final few hundred metres."

Please with the London parcours, he noted, "It was a great atmosphere here with a lot of Aussie support and a huge crowd. It's going to be fantastic when I race into Belgium and get the friends and family involved." The Aussie makes his base near Gent, the finish of stage 2.