The 'cool' Grand Tour begins in Amsterdam

The 93rd edition of the Giro d'Italia is officially under way, and it is without a doubt the most eagerly anticipated Giro since the 92nd edition 12 months ago.

As most seasoned cycling fans know, the Giro d'Italia is the "cool" Grand Tour, and this is why a lot of people will try to impress you by saying that they're way more into the Giro than the Tour de France -- in this sense, the Giro is Conan O'Brien and the Tour is Jay Leno. But while it may be "cool" to profess a Giro (or Conan) preference, it's also warranted in many ways. Sure, the Tour isn't lame like Leno, but besides those famous images of Andy Hampsten on the Gavia Pass in 1988, the Giro is often more unpredictable and dynamic than its Gallic counterpart, and the favorites are less obvious. (Also, there's a strong visual component, since nobody does cheesy airbrushed time trial helmets like the Italians.)

I'd certainly agree. So unpredictable is the Giro that they weren't even in Italy this morning -- they were in the Netherlands. Apparently, like most American backpackers, the riders had chosen to start their three-week tour in Amsterdam (though presumably they're spending less time getting "baked."). On top of that, the road conditions were wet -- especially at the start of the stage, which meant that the course would be treacherous. Not only does water bring oil to the surface of the road, but given Amsterdam's permissive attitude towards drugs and prostitution any number of viscous fluids might be released from the asphalt as well.

Also surprising was that American rider Brent Bookwalter of BMC held onto the fastest time until finally being beaten by Bradley Wiggins, who ultimately took the stage.  Indeed, judging from his Twitter feed, Bookwalter was as surprised as anybody. I realize this is a bit of a "spoiler," but I at least promise not to reveal who's wearing the green jersey for best climber. Sure, it was a flat time trial stage with no climbs, but I'm sure there were some "elevations" as the course went by the red light district.