Danny Pate, Paris-Nice prologue Mother Nature ruled the results of today’s prologue with wetter, windier conditions taking over middle part of the 4.6 km course less than an hour into the event. The first 40 and the last dozen riders enjoyed drier conditions, while the rest of the riders were slowed down by slick roads and colder, denser air. The unfavorable conditions prompted Slipstream/Chipotle to change from Zipp disc wheels to Zipp 808 tubulars later in the event.

“There are few things worse than having a chrono performance compromised because of the weather. Considering I was one of the last to go before it started drying out more, I’m satisfied with my result,” said Millar. “Trent and Danny did great rides and Trent put considerable time on the other climbers.”

Fortunately, Danny Pate (right) and Trent Lowe took full advantage of the dry conditions that greeted their early starts to clock two of the top ten times. Under a heavy drizzle, 2007 Paris-Nice prologue winner David Millar still managed to finish 12th.

One victim of the slick conditions was Tyler Farrar. Unfortunately he risked too much on what looked like one of the day’s best rides and ended up crashing on a wet corner. Down but not out, Farrar managed to finish.

Slipstream prologue standings
1. Thor Hushovd 5:28

6. Danny Pate 5:35
10. Trent Lowe 5:38
12. David Millar 5:40
74. Christophe Laurent 5:54
85. Tom Peterson 5:57
99. Christian Vande Velde 5:58
126. Lucas Euser 6:06
160. Tyler Farrar 8:42 (after crashing)

Slipstream GC after prologue
1. Thor Hushovd 5:38 +

6. Danny Pate :06
10. Trent Lowe :09
12. David Millar :11
74. Christophe Laurent :26
85. Tom Peterson :28
99. Christian Vande Velde :30
126. Lucas Euser :37
160. Tyler Farrar 3:13