When the 2011 Tour de France started, few would have guessed that Team Saxo Bank, the team of Alberto Contador, would be among the first teams out on the road for the team time trial. They might be at an advantage, as there is no time to beat and therefore, they can just ride, but it could also provide an advantage to the other contenders. Most of the men fighting for a podium finish will be able to see Saxo Bank's time and know exactly what they have to do to keep him down on time.
So far, Saxo Bank are off to a great start. They went through the nine kilometer checkpoint in a time of 9:15, which, even with nothing to compare it to, is a pretty blistering pace. The total length of the course is 23 kilometers, and Saxo Bank will finish before most of the other GC men start. Incredibly, Saxo Bank have already dropped two of their nine riders. The fifth man to cross the finish line is the one who sets the team's time.
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