The 4.8 kilometer prologue of the 2009 Vuelta a Espana was won by Team Saxo Bank's Fabian Cancellara in a time that crushed all competition.
 
The oldest racetrack in the world of motor racing in Assen, the Netherlands was the scene to the exciting events and the course developed even more dramatic when the rain halfway within the time trial started pouring down in the already autumn-like temperatures which for a while made the surface slippery wet.
 
The short route surely favored the sprinters and both Tom Boonen (Quick Step) and Tyler Farrar (Garmin) were showing good form and ended 2nd and 3rd on today's time trial.
 
Danish Jakob Fuglsang was the second best Team Saxo Bank-rider 23 seconds after his teammate. This strong effort made him 24th on the prologue. The former U23 world champion of mountain biking gave a clue that his shape is where it should be at this time.
 
Tomorrow Team Saxo Bank's Swiss champion will be wearing the yellow jersey when the peloton takes off to do the 203, 7 kilometers between Assen and the famous cheese town of Emmen.
 
”I am extremely happy to win here in Holland and take the jersey of the Vuelta. Of course, it's been an objective alone for me and for the team to take the win on the prologue but I am primarily here to get ready for the World Championship on home ground next month."

Fabian Cancellara in the golden jersey on the podium. Photo copyright Fotoreporter Sirotti.

Cancellara added that, "Honestly I did not expect to take the victory because of the raw competition from other strong riders in peak shape but I succeeded and I am very proud of my effort”, said the Olympic champion of the discipline after his victory."
 
And Team Saxo Bank sports director, Kim Andersen was also pleased with the riders' effort.
 
"Fabian did what he was motivated to do and it's a great start for us all to win on the prologue. Jakob also did a good job today and even though we now have the jersey we probably will not defend it the following days. The next stages are full of bonus seconds so one of the sprinters might just take the leadership."