Like Water For Yellow

You would be hard pressed to find anyone who had singled out German Stefan Schumacher (Gerolsteiner) as a pre-race favorite going into today’s Stage 4 Individual Time Trial in Cholet.

Yet, there was the Gerolsteiner rider flowing as fluidly as the water of his team’s sponsor.

Known less for his time trialing skills, though he did win the ITT during Tirreno-Adriatico last year, Schumacher clocked the fastest time at every intermediate check point on his way to covering the 29.5 km out-and-back course in a sterling 35:44.

"A lot of guys told me this circuit was good for me because it's really up and down, not too flat. And the distance, between 20 and 30 km is good for me," said Schumacher afterward.

For his effort, Schumacher claimed the maillot jaune and the overall lead.

Results
1 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner
2 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia
3 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30


Bending But Not Breaking
The first true test for the contenders to the overall crown brought few surprises.

Using the odds-on favorite Cadel Evans (Silence-Lotto) as the measuring stick, both Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d’Epargne) and Damiano Cunego (Lampre) were able to limit their loses. Each now knows the work that is before them. If either wants a realistic chance of reaching the top step on the Paris podium, they must attack in the upcoming mountain stages to create a sizable time buffer before the final ITT.

But perhaps the most dangerous threat to Evans lies in front of him in the form of Kim Kirchen (Team Columbia). Kirchen, a more than adept climber, has shown his form early on in this race. If he is still rounding out into form, as most riders going into a three week race are apt to do, or if he can maintain his current form, the strength of Team Columbia will make Kirchen incredibly tough to beat.

Overall Through Stage 4
1 Stefan Schumacher (Ger) Gerolsteiner
2 Kim Kirchen (Lux) Team Columbia
3 David Millar (GBr) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
4 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence-Lotto
5 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team CSC - Saxo Bank
6 Christian Vande Velde (USA) Team Garmin-Chipotle p/b H30
7 George Hincapie (USA) Team Columbia
8 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe) Team Columbia
9 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas
10 José Iván Gutierrez (Spa) Caisse d'Epargne


American [Team] In Paris?
Don’t look now my European brethren but the historic entry of two American teams in the Tour de France may yield another American victory in the team classification, as Garmin-Chipotle presented by H30 and Team Columbia are currently running one-two in that category.

Next: Stage 5 - Wednesday, July 9 - Cholet – Châteauroux (232km).


More:
International Herald Tribune - Stefan Schumacher wins Tour de France time trial
Cyclingnews - Schumacher's stage victory garners yellow
Velonews - Schumacher has his own out-of-competition positive to explain

Photo: Pascal Pavani/Getty Images