Lance gives some thoughts post Stage 1 -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com
Stage One result:
1. Fabian Cancellara (Swi/Saxo Bank) 19mins 32sec
2. Alberto Contador (Spa/Astana) +18 secs
3. Bradley Wiggins (GB/Garmin) +19 secs
4. Andreas Kloeden (Ger/Astana) +22 secss
5. Cadel Evans (Aus/Silence-Lotto) +23 secs
6. Levi Leipheimer (US/Astana) +30 secs
7. Roman Kreuziger (Cze/Liquigas) +32 secs
8. Tony Martin (Ger/Columbia) +33 secs
9. Vincenzo Nibali (It/Liquigas) +37 secs
10. Lance Armstrong (US/Astana) +40 secs
The major story of Saturday's stage was Armstrong's return and the American produced a solid ride.
The Astana rider went out relatively early and held first place at one point, although he was soon displaced by Germany's Tony Martin before team-mate Levi Leipheimer took the lead.
"I did not have big illusions," said the 37-year-old Armstrong, who last rode the Tour in 2005.
"I was a bit nervous but it is logical. I'm just happy to be here even if we don't win because there are a lot of other things I could be doing right now.
"It is a difficult course for sure but I think it is difficult for everybody. It is very technical, it is hard to find a rhythm but that's logical after years away.
"What a beautiful race. It was fun. I felt pretty good, overall, I feel good. I was a little bit all over the place."
Leipheimer, with a time of 20 minutes and three seconds, remained in the lead until another Astana rider, Andreas Kloden produced a brilliant ride to lead by nine seconds.
However, many of the stage favourites were among the last to depart and the lead changed hands several times over the final few minutes.
Wiggins was extremely impressive and led briefly but Contador, who was quickest all day through the split, defeated him by one second.
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