Stage 1: Monaco-Monaco; ITT; 15.5km

Lance's return to the tdf peloton was a success, depending on who you talk to. While Lance posted a great individual time for his age and after a 3 year absence from the main event, he slotted in at a somewhat disappointing 10th, behind main rivals Cadel Evans and teammates Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer AND Andreas Kloden. With 4 Astana riders in the top 10, they are most definitely the team to beat in this year's tour and most likely the winner in 3 weeks will come from this team; they are just too big of a powerhouse to compete with in the mountains. Lance looked powerful but struggled over the 2nd half of the course after leading the first time split for some time. The small cat 4 climb halfway through proved more challenging I feel than many of the riders had originally anticipated. 10th isn't exciting, but considering what he has been through with the collarbone and all, it is an excellent posting. 20 stages to go. Tuesday, Stage 4, is the TTT. Look for Astana to demolish that and for Lance to slide up in the overall.