Posted: Saturday July 5, 2008 2:37PM; Updated: Saturday July 5, 2008 2:37PM For the first time since 1967 the event started without a prologue The first time trial, however, is earlier than usual in the fourth stage PLUMELEC, France (AP) -- Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme hopes that changes to this year's race format will provide more suspense. For the first time since 1967, the showcase event started Saturday without its traditional opening-day prologue -- the short time trial format that seven-time winner Lance Armstrong used to demoralize his rivals. "We need to get out of the stereotype of previous Tours," Prudhomme told The Associated Press, adding that he hopes for more "more mystery" and that the rhythm of the race will be "less predictable." Some riders, such as Norway's Thor Hushovd, weren't impressed...
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