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Copyright 2008 James Raia Communications

It’s been 42 years since the Tour de France started this way, but this is a new Tour de France, a new era. It’s a streamlined course with no long transfer days or time bonuses.

And so what better way to start the 95th Tour de France than to eliminate the prologue? It’s the standard short individual time trial (usually aroun
d three miles) that determines the race leader and sets the tone for which riders have early “race legs.”

Not this year. And unlike the usual first-week series of flat sprinters’ stages, stage 1 this year will include four categorized climbs (all the least strenuous category four efforts), several intermediate sprints and anything but an easy overall course.

The route extends 197.5 kilometers (122.7 miles) from the northwest naval city (and port) of Brest and concludes in the village of Plumelec (population 2,500).

With a start in what is often a summer rainy climate in the hills of Brittany at 12:10 p.m. local time, look for animated opening day and a non-pack finish.

It’s a unique launch to the three-week spectacle — from the westernmost city in the host country to a French hamlet that, like many other Tour de France cities, is cycling rabid.

Surprisingly, only one Tour stage has ever finished in Plumelec. It was 11 years ago, and a young German named Erik Zabel broke from a 20-rider group and pedaled to a solo win in front of an estimated 100,000 spectators.

Zabel (Milram) will turn age 38 two days after the Tour begins. With more than 200 career wins, he’s the sentimental favorite to win again on what could be an overall race highlight — on the first day.

The race ends with a two-kilometer (1.2-mile) climb at a five percent grade, advancing to an eight percent grade. There’s a final right-hand switchback about 300 meters before the finish, which is expected at about 5 p.m. French time.

And then 95th Tour de France will have its first race leader (the maillot jaune) and the journey will be underway in earnest.