As expected it was a steady but unspectacular start for Manxman Mark Cavendish at the Tour de France.
He finished a minute and 10 seconds behind the winner of the opening prologue time-trial in Rotterdam.
Pre-race favourite Fabian Cancellara took the honours ahead of Cavendish’s team-mate Tony Martin in a race affected by heavy rain.
British rider David Millar was third.
Cavendish, who was 127th overall, is expected to challenge for top spot in Sunday’s 223.5km stage between Rotterdam and Bruxelles.
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