Confident start from Roche in Tour

Ireland's Nicolas Roche lies in a very impressive 18th place after just completing the 15.5km Tour de France prologue in Nice.

Roche timed his effort to perfection having cycled the course a number of times this morning.

Levi Leipheimer is the current leader posting a time of 20”02’, three seconds ahead of Tony Martin of Columbia with team-mate Lance Armstrong a further 17 seconds back.

Alberto Contador is yet to start as is Cadel Evans and defending champion Carlos Sastre.