Saturn's Anna Millward pulled on the leader's jersey of the 10-day Tour de l'Aude after putting in the fastest time on the 3km prologue course in Gruissan, France, on May 18. The Australian's time was 4:23, with New Zealand's Sarah Ulmer the surprise of the day, coming in for second place, three seconds back. Germany's Judith Arndt and Petra Rossners -- two know as TT specialists, finished third and fourth, 4 and 8 seconds slower.

Canadian Lyne Bessette (Saturn) was the day's top North American, finishing sixth, 9 seconds slower than Millward.

Tomorrow's first stage is a 106km loop at Coursan. The race concludes on May 27.

Copyright AFP 2001