Most riders will not be sorry to see the end to the northern sector of the Tour, as most have fallen, 12 have retired, and only a few have had reason to celebrate.

Youth has taken over in this opening week with Tour first and near-first timers, Fabian Cancellara, Thomas Voeckler, Filippo Pozzato and Tom Boonen all having an exceptional start.

There is, as there has been for the past three years, a great battle in prospect among the Australians for the green jersey, while the main fight is still in the dressing rooms for the yellow jersey.

Lance Armstrong will rest content for the moment. He is best placed of the main contenders and slightly further ahead of Jan Ullrich than at the same time as last year.

However, there is no room for error as we now start the journey to the Pyrenees along a road far from flat. I hate to say it, but the bad weather also looks set to continue and that can only mean trouble for everyone.