UTRECHT, Netherlands (Reuters) - Often cited by defending champion Vincenzo Nibali as a rider to watch on the Tour de France, Thibaut Pinot made an early impact by beating all the pre-race favourites in the opening time trial on Saturday.
The French climber, who has dramatically improved with his efforts against the clock in recent years, finished the 13.8-km course in 18th place, 41 seconds behind stage winner Rohan Dennis of Australia.
