Iban Mayo (Euskaltel) has taken the early lead in the Dauphine Libere. The Basque rider won the race's hilly, 5.1-km prologue in Villard-de-Lans in 8:44. David Millar (Cofidis) took second at 0:04, and defending champion Lance Armstrong (U.S. Postal Service) finished third at 0:10.

Many riders use the Dauphine Libere to tune up for the Tour de France and as a barometer of their fitness. Mayo, Millar, and Armstrong got answers about their preparation. Mayo passed his one-minute man, Eddy Seigneur (Jean Delatour), en route to victory. A day after finishing third in the Classique des Alpes, Millar rode strongly to take second place in the prologue. Armstrong rode consistently to establish that he is on target for the Tour de France and to defend his championship in the Dauphine Libere.

For many riders, the Dauphine Libere can be a chance to earn a place in the Tour de France. Bradley McGee (La Francaise des Jeux.com) made a case for himself with seventh place in the prologue. Continued strong riding should put him on the start line in Paris.

In the overall, Mayo leads Millar by 0:05 and Armstrong by 0:11. Stage 2 will probably not change this state of affairs. The rolling, 198-km run from Meaudre to Vaison-la-Romaine should end in a bunch sprint. Who will win it? Check in at http://www.roadcycling.com/ and find out!

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