Criterium du Dauphine 2012 prologue photo gallery by Graham Watson>>
Bradley Wiggins (Sky) finished just one second adrift of winner Luke Durbridge (Orica-GreenEdge) to claim second place in the Critérium du Dauphiné prologue in Grenoble on Sunday.
Wiggins was the only rider to come within one second of under-23 World time trial champion Durbridge's time of six minutes and 39 seconds on the 5.7-kilometre course. Andriy Grivko (Astana) came third, three seconds behind Durbridge.
The result is perfect for Wiggins in his bid to repeat his Dauphiné win from last year. He has already put time into his main overall rivals, yet he will not have the pressure of being in the yellow leader's jersey from day one.
Australian overall challenger and 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) finished in ninth spot, six seconds behind compatriot Durbridge and five seconds slower than Wiggins. Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas-Cannondale) placed 22nd, nine seconds behind Wiggins.
Twenty-one year old Durbridge was 26th rider off - out of a total of 175 starters - and put down the early fast time. A mid-prologue spell of light rain dampened the twisting course, causing riders to slow up on the tight corners. The roads dried quickly as the rain ceased, and Wiggins completed his run in largely dry conditions.
Brits David Millar (Garmin-Barracuda) and Chris Froome (Sky) finished in 18th and 48th place respectively. It was Millar's first day back in action after breaking his collarbone in E3 Harelbeke in March.
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Wiggins will be looking ahead to Thursday's long 53.5-kilometre individual time trial stage. He will be aiming to win the stage and take the overall lead before the race hits the high mountains next weekend.
Monday's opening road stage is a 187-kilometre trip from Seyssins to Saint-Vallier. No less than six categorised climbs are included, with the final lump of Cote de la Sizeranne just nine kilometres from the finish.
The UCI WorldTour-ranked 2012 Critérium du Dauphiné concludes on Sunday, June 10.
Results
Critérium du Dauphiné 2012, prologue: Grenoble to Grenoble, 5.7km ITT
1. Luke Durbridge (Aus) Orica-GreenEdge in 6-39
2. Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky at 1 sec
3. Andriy Grivko (Ukr) Astana at 3 secs
4. Carlos Barredo (Spa) Rabobank at 3 secs
5. Tony Martin (Ger) Omega Pharma-QuickStep at 5 secs
6. Simon Gerrans (Aus) Orica-GreenEdge at 5 secs
7. Paul Martens (Ger) Rabobank at 5 secs
8. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Omega Pharma-QuickStep at 6 secs
9. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing at 6 secs
10. Andrey Amador (Crc) Movistar at 7 secs
Other
18. David Millar (GBr) Garmin-Barracuda at 10 secs
48. Chris Froome (GBr) Sky at 16 secs
Overall classification after prologue
1. Luke Durbridge (Aus) Orica-GreenEdge
2. Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Sky at 1 sec
3. Andriy Grivko (Ukr) Astana at 3 secs
4. Carlos Barredo (Spa) Rabobank at 3 secs
5. Tony Martin (Ger) Omega Pharma-QuickStep at 5 secs
6. Simon Gerrans (Aus) Orica-GreenEdge at 5 secs
7. Paul Martens (Ger) Rabobank at 5 secs
8. Sylvain Chavanel (Fra) Omega Pharma-QuickStep at 6 secs
9. Cadel Evans (Aus) BMC Racing at 6 secs
10. Andrey Amador (Crc) Movistar at 7 secs
David Millar
Chris Froome
Andriy Grivko
Bradley Wiggins
Luke Durbridge
Luke Durbridge takes first yellow jersey of the 2012 Critérium du Dauphiné
Related links
Critérium du Dauphiné 2012: The Big Preview - includes team list, TV guide, recent winners and more
Wiggins back to defend Critérium du Dauphiné title
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