LONDON - Under a cloud of doping and suspicion that threatens all of cycling, Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara won the prologue of the Tour de France as the sport's premier event began Saturday with heavy security and a distinct British accent.

Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland puts on his overall leader's yellow jersey on the podium after the first stage of the 94th Tour de France cycling race between London and Canterbury, in Canterbury, England, Sunday, July 8, 2007. Robbie Mc Ewen of Australia won the first stage. [AP]

Cancellara, the world time-trial champion who also won the Tour prologue in 2004, completed the eight-kilometre race through downtown London in eight minutes 50 seconds.

"I am really happy, that's for sure," said Cancellara, who will wear the leader's yellow jersey for Sunday's first stage from London to Canterbury. "I will do the maximum to defend it."

Andreas Kloeden of Germany was 13 seconds behind in second place, followed by George Hincapie of the United States, 23 seconds behind the leader. Britain's Bradley Wiggins, looking to bring the home fans a victory, was fourth.

With cyclists zooming past such landmarks as Parliament and Buckingham Palace and through Hyde Park, the 189 riders set off one by one in the race against the clock.

The three-week race started two years to the day since suicide bombers killed 52 people on London's public transit network and as the country confronts a new wave of terrorism.

At least 4,500 officers from London's Metropolitan Police provided security, along with officers from other forces and a small unit of the French gendarmerie. The last time the Tour came to Britain was in 1994, when an estimated two million people crowded the route.

Saturday's ride took place a cloudy day with patches of sunlight, beginning a 3,412 kilometre trek that will feature six mountain hikes, three summit finishes and two individual time trials.