Judging by the first stage of the 2008 Tour de France, Thomas Voeckler is determined to make his mark on this years race.

The Frenchman that hails from the Alsace region showed his grit in a battle for the polka dot jersey with the German Bjoern Schroeder of the Milram team.

Don’t be suprised if you see Voeckler trying to emulate the exploits of the great Laurent Jalabert. Jalabert won the climbers jersey during his last two years as a pro while riding for team CSC. Not being a pure climber, he demonstrated that solid tactics can take the polka dot jersey home.