Critérium International stage 1: Millar, Lowe sitting pretty with 10″ off lead

Despite a two-man breakaway attempt, the first stage of the three-stage, two-day Criterium International finished with a predictable bunch sprint. Slipstream/Chipotle’s efforts to keep the team leaders up front for the finale resulted in strong finishes for both David Millar (left) and Trent Lowe, who finished just ten seconds off stage winner Laurens Ten Dam (Rabobank).

Though all the riders worked hard today to keep their GC hopes in check, Tom Peterson in particular rode a brave race. Already having suffered from bronchitis and a separated shoulder, poor Peterson managed to push through today’s 193 km stage despite suffering from intestinal challenges.

Look for the Burrito Brigade to heat up tomorrow’s two-stage day with Lowe (right) a top pick for the gnarly, nine-climb stage 2 that starts at - ouch - 8:35 am (which will feel like 7:35 am with the time change at midnight tonight). And then the afternoon time trial - which kicks off at 14:40 - could well belong to Millar or Zabriskie.

Slipstream stage 1 results
1. Laurens Ten Dam 4:50′04″

24. David Millar +00′10″
26. Trent Lowe +00′10″
47. Christophe Laurent +06′51″
84. Kilian Patour +06′51″
85. Magnus Backstedt +06′51″
97. David Zabriskie +06′51″
131. Timmy Duggan +12′40″
143. Tom Peterson +22′01″

Slipstream GC after stage 1
1. Laurens Ten Dam 4:49′45″

24. David Millar +00′29″
26. Trent Lowe +00′29″
50. Christophe Laurent +07′10″
85. Kilian Patour +07′10″
86. Magnus Backstedt +07′10″
98. David Zabriskie +07′10″
131. Timmy Duggan +12′59″
143. Tom Peterson +22′20″