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MILLAR TOO CLOSE TO TOUR DE FRANCE YELLOW JERSEY

Sunday, 6 July 2008
By Stephen Farrand In Saint-Brieuc
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David Millar Tour de France 2008 stage 2

David Millar (Garmin) began Sunday’s second stage to Saint Brieuc just one second behind race leader Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d’Epargne) in the overall classification, but admitted it will be almost impossible to take the yellow jersey from the Spaniard.

Time bonuses were abolished this year to create more open racing but as long as Valverde stays with his closest rivals, nobody will be able to take the jersey off his back.

Only a serious breakaway could change the overall standings. Caisse d’Epargne did little work on the front during Sunday’s stage but the sprinters' teams naturally took over on the run-in to the finish.

"I think it’s impossible to take the yellow jersey from Valverde,” Millar told Cycling Weekly before the start in Auray.

“I’m only one second behind him but I don’t think he’ll lose it until the time trial on Tuesday.”

“If I’m going to get the yellow jersey it’ll be after the time trial. Hopefully, I can put time into in the time trial and then hang on to him at the finish at Super-Besse.”

Millar gained six seconds on Cancellara at the finish in Plumelec. It was not much but boosted his morale and could be vital as he targets the yellow jersey at the finish of Thursday's sixth stage to Super-Besse.

“I didn’t lose any time which was good and I put six seconds into Cancellara,” Millar said.

“That’s not a lot but it’s all good. I think taking the jersey will come down to a handful of second because the time trial course is quite short, so every second counts.”

“I know that if I’m on a good day I can come close to Cancellara in the time trial and I think I can be as good as he is on my best days. I think the course really suits me. I think it’s possible to get the jersey.”

Millar leads by example at Garmin and was happy with the whole performance of the team after stage one.

“We’re all really happy and all the team rode well near the front all day. I was up there, Christian (Vande Velde) and Trent (Lowe) were up there, it was a pretty good day.”