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93rd Tour de France - presented by

2 July

Simoni and Saunier Duval-Prodir Updates
Simoni Makes it through Hot Day

Simoni and Saunier Duval-Prodir Updates
Stage List, Stage Profile

Simoni training, photo: Bicirace.com

"Fa Caldissma!" Those were the words from Gilberto Simoni at the end of stage one. The Italian battled some hot weather in stage 1 of the Tour de France, taking the riders from Strasbourg, through the surrounding zone, including Germany, and back into the historic Strasbourg.

Temperatures hovered around 32°C all day. Simoni stayed smart and cool: keeping him self hydrated with plenty of water and staying protected in the pack, near his Saunier Duval-Prodir mates during the 'sprint stage.' At the end of the stage we briefly spoke with Simoni, who was drenched in sweat.

"Fa Caldissma," said il Trentino, meaning 'it is very hot.' "I stayed safe all day... But it was so hot out today."

Simoni finished safely in the peloton in the stage won by Jimmy Casper of Cofidis. Tomorrow will be more of the same for Simoni, who is looking forward to his beloved mountains.

Simoni rode side-by-side with David Millar all day. The Scot completed his first full day in the peloton. "Now, just to be back in the peloton is nice," said Millar. "Yesterday my emotions were really getting to me on the start ramp but it was a positive comeback."

Good luck to Simoni and the rest of the Saunier Duval-Prodir crew over the coming weeks.