Following a cheesy team presentation aboard the aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi, Liquigas won the Giro d’Italia’s opening 26km team time trial between Caprera and La Maddalena to put Enrico Gasparotto in the Maglia Rosa. Gasparotto led the team out of the final bend and crossed the line in first place, apparently to the annoyance of team leader Danilo di Luca, who finished immediately behind him. Former winner Paolo Salvoldelli’s Astana squad placed second.

1 Liquigas 33.38
2 Astana @ 13s
3 Team CSC @ 30s
4 Lampre-Fondital @ 42s
5 Discovery Channel @ 49s
6 Acqua & Sapone @ 1.02
7 Tinkoff Credit System @ 1.04
8 Crédit Agricole @ 1.13
9 Caisse d’Epargne @ 1.23
10 Saunier Duval-Prodir @1.25