Cancellara claims yellow jersey

Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara got the better of Tour de France favourite Alberto Contador to triumph in the 15.5km time-trial first stage in the blistering Monaco sun today.

The 28-year-old Saxo Bank rider, the reigning Olympic time-trial champion, powered home in a time of 19 minutes 32 seconds to claim the yellow jersey.

Cancellara finished 18 seconds clear of Spaniard Contador, who edged Great Britain’s Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream) by a second.

Contador, the 2007 champion, was one of four Astana cyclists in the top 10 with German Andreas Kloden fourth, American Levi Leipheimer sixth and seven-time champion Lance Armstrong 10th.

American Armstrong, who came out of retirement in January after quitting following the 2005 Tour, was 40 seconds down on Cancellara.

Carlos Sastre (Cervelo), the defending champion from Spain, was a further 26 seconds back in 21st spot.

Ireland's Nicolas Roche ended the day in a very respectable 43rd position with a time of 20' 59", one minute and 27 seconds behind the leader.

The Tour continues tomorrow with the 187-kilometre second stage from Monaco to Brignoles.