Manxman Mark Cavendish began his Tour De France 2009 bid on Saturday.
He finished well off the pace, a good three minutes behind the winner, Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara in the time trial, but his main focus remains on tomorrow’s (Sunday) first road race stage.
Britain's Bradley Wiggins finished third in the opening stage in Monaco, 19 seconds behind the winner, while seven-time champion Lance Armstrong - who's back on his bike after coming out of retirement - was 10th.
Classic TT: Nathan Harrison fronts star-studded Formula One class
Dunlop and Hickman also among strong field for this year's meeting
Classic TT: 2026 Historic Junior seeded riders confirmed
John McGuinness MBE at forefront of the field
Athletics: 2026 IoM Marathon & Half-Marathon Championship awaits this weekend
It will also be first race of No Rest For The Wicked series
Snooker: Isle of Man gets set for 2026 Home International
Two Island teams of four to face UK & Ireland counterparts
