The Tour of Southland starts with a short TTT. It`s the only time trial here and so any gaps could become very important in the end.
Sauber Petronas is the first team on the road. It`s probably one of the weaker here and so their time of 11'23 won`t last very long.
Evian - MIAT is one of two PCT teams here and have a good rider for the GC in Rocchetti. But he might have to improve there as their time today is not much better than Sauber`s: 11'18.
Risa - Ergon was named as one of the top teams for today. Their top rider is Anthony Giacoppo, who surely hopes for good sprint results. And they are able to improve the actual time by quite a bit: 11'08.
Die Berg Komt Er is led by Rick Flens today. Surely one of the best individual chrono men and he is pulling them nicely. Their hopes also are on the sprints with the strong duo Hochman/Chavanel. And Flens` work paid off as they beat the best time: 11'03.
Ekspla-Cision definitely has a nice all around team here. Hutchings for the TTT, Friedman/Porsev/Gavazzi for the sprints, Cioban for the GC and some solid support.
11'10 seems a solid time in the middle.
Cadbury-Schweppes was impressive in Dunkerque recently with a very attacking style. Torckler might be their best rider for every terrain and could surprise here. 10'09.
Allianz - BMW made an interesting choice here. Daniel Thorsen might suit this race perfectly due to the short lengths of some stages. Together with Kim Kirchen, who already knows the course from last year a good combo. Today it was not the best performance: 11'18.
Japanese - Korean Cycling Project only with 4 riders today due to race clashes and a small squad in general. They will probably be happy with anything here as they lose a lot of time today already and take the last position by far.
Oz Cycling Project is the second PCT team here. Nobody stands out in the GC fight but Damion Drapac is a good sprinter on flat terrain. And with Olman they have a real powerhorse here, who leads them for most of todays TTT. In the end they prove their favourite status and ride the first time under 11min: 10'55.
Team Gazelle is led by Brasilian Nardin, who is just like the already mentioned Torckler a good rider for the sprints and the hills. So surely a rider to watch here. Also todays time is very good as they take the 3rd at the moment with 11'05.
Team Privatbank goes from the ramp as last team. They are led by Vorganov, winner of the 2012 queen stage and the mountain jersey. So surely a good GC candidate. Also in their team another Russian with Maksimov. He really needs to deliver slowly as their actual manager starts to lose confidence in him. 11'11.
So Oz Cycling Team is winning the opening TTT with O'Shea riding over the line as first. He will also lead the Youth ranking, where Scully is taking the jersey tomorrow, when we enter the hard climb up to Bluff Hill.
