I suspect that this year, we will only be sure of the final entry list on July 6 (i.e. the Unibet situation). Similarly, Operacion Puerto could once again deprive the race of the best riders (or liberate the race of cheaters?) literally as they take to the starting ramp.... The list of riders is not final until the evening before when they sign in and have physical checks. Indeed, I think the Tour allows a rider to be replaced on the day (Matt White or someone a few years back injured himself warming up?). So, in essence, there isn't really a day, and the date lacks importance anyway. S TC