Changes announced for the 2008 Tour de France
 

For the first time in 41 years, the opening stage will not be a time trial. This gives the non-sprinters a chance to wear the jersey. The first time trial won't be until stage 4.

The riders will scale Europe's highest mountain pass: the 9,193-foot Col de la Bonette-Restefond. They haven't been there since the reign of Miguel Indurain.

There will be only 19 mountain passes instead of 21.

Tour director Christian Prudhomme stated these changes will help the sport "rediscover its romanticism that made it a legend."

More:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071025/...ur_de_france_1

I'll have to look at this courese again, but I iwl miss the prologue ITT. I do note there is a ALpe D'huez summit finish, which is always a good thing.