Christian Vande Velde, Castilla y Leon prologue Though the opening 9.7 km prologue of Castilla y Leon was a test of individual strengths, it showcased Slipstream/Chipotle’s depth as a team. With four of the seven total riders finishing in the top twenty, the team kicks off five days of hard Spanish racing ranked second overall.

Said Directeur Sportif Johnny Weltz: “We are one of the strongest teams out here. We will have some tense days ahead defending our GC positions.”

Steven Cozza, Castilla y Leon prologue Riding through a wintery landscape, Christian Vande Velde (above) finished sixth for the day as he continues to hone Huub Duyn, Castilla y Leon prologue his time trialling talents. Steven Cozza (right) finished a very strong seventh and Tyler Farrar was not far behind in 11th. Young Dutch rider Huub Duyn (left) also finished well in 17th.

Look for tomorrow’s hilly stage 2 to significantly shake up today’s results.

Slipstream prologue results
1. Alberto Contador 11′39″ (49.957 kph)

6. Christian Vande Velde +00′22″
7. Steven Cozza +00′25″
11. Tyler Farrar +00′30″
17. Huub Duyn +00′36″
29. Jason Donald +00′43″
38. Pat McCarty +00′48″
55. Dan Martin +00′58″

Slipstream GC after prologue
1. Alberto Contador 11′39″

6. Christian Vande Velde +00′22″
7. Steven Cozza +00′25″
11. Tyler Farrar +00′30″
17. Huub Duyn +00′36″
29. Jason Donald +00′43″
38. Pat McCarty +00′48″
55. Dan Martin +00′58″