Similar to Fabian Cancellara’s greatness (Team Saxo Bank) in the time trial, Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia – HTC) is equally as consistent and devastating in the sprint.On Stage 2 of the 96th Tour de France, the 24-year old from the Isle of Man would once again provide evidence that he is undoubtedly the fastest man on two wheels, at least of those on self-propelled wheels.
After a precarious run into the finish that would see several sprinters take themselves out of contention and into the turn off for support cars, the crazy train known as Team Columbia - HTC, finally peeled off and unbridled their fast man, who dashed to the line without much opposition. The victory would be Cavendish's 14th on the year, and his 5th Tour de France win overall.
The Bounce
Not being privy to the finances of companies that sponsor cycling teams, it’s difficult to determine the marketing bounce, in actual dollars, that sponsors make back by having their logos prominently displayed on a team’s jerseys, bicycles or accessories. But if Trek Bicycles' association with Lance Armstrong is any indicator, then mobile phone maker HTC, who signed on to Team Columbia – Highroad as a secondary sponsor prior to the start of the Tour, should in line for some instant gratification. A second place finish on Stage 1 by Tony Martin and a victory on Stage 2 by Mark Cavendish has already raised the profile of the little known company, despite the fact that it was ranked "as the second best performing technology company in Asia in 2007."
The Tour: It’s mostly about the bike, but sometimes its about the marketing.
The Sprinter Farrar
Team Garmin-Slipstream’s Tyler Farrar may fashion himself to be a Classics hard man, but should he stay the course through to Paris, he may just be a contender for the maillot vert. One of the few men to beat Mark Cavendish to a finish line this year, Farrar’s second place finish on Stage 2 not only speaks well of his individual chances, but also of the team’s ability to match their American based rival, Team Columbia-HTC, in leading out the sprint.
Results After Stage 2
1 Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team Columbia - HTC
2 Tyler Farrar (USA) Garmin - Slipstream
3 Romain Feillu (Fra) Agritubel
General Classification After Stage 2
1 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team Saxo Bank
2 Alberto Contador Velasco (Spa) Astana
3 Bradley Wiggins (GBr) Garmin - Slipstream
4 Andreas Klöden (Ger) Astana
5 Cadel Evans (Aus) Silence - Lotto
6 Levi Leipheimer (USA) Astana
7 Roman Kreuziger (Cze) Liquigas
8 Tony Martin (Ger) Team Columbia - HTC
9 Vincenzo Nibali (Ita) Liquigas
10 Lance Armstrong (USA) Astana
Jersey Leaders After Stage 2
Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Team Saxo Bank
Mark Cavendish (GBr) Team Columbia - HTC
Jussi Veikkanen (Fin) Francaise Des Jeux
Roman Kreuziger (Cze) LiquigasNext: Stage 3 - Marseille to La Grande-Motte (196.5km)
A flat as a pancake run in means a speed fest awaits.
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