Schlecks enjoying relaxed Tour départ

By Gregor Brown in Nantes, France

Outside Tour de France favourite Andy Schleck (Team CSC-Saxo Bank) passed a relatively stress-free start to his first Tour de France. The 23 year-old is one of the Team CSC-Saxo Bank co-captains, along with Carlos Sastre and older brother Fränk.

"There is not too much stress so far," the 23 year-old said. "Of course, in the race it is nervous and you have to keep your concentration high. However, I have always been at the front."

The time he lost at the end of Stage 1 was due to being caught on the wrong side of the road, according to Schleck.

The race is only Schleck's second Grand Tour after making his debut in the 2006 Giro d'Italia. He impressed pundits with consist performance that garnered him the maglia bianca of best young rider. Other race favourites are keeping an eye on Schleck, despite Sastre and Fränk Schleck having more experience.

Schleck's youthful enthusiasm could play into his favour. "This first Tour de France is great, especially here in Brittany - it's cycling mad," he said.