Alberto Contador described his prologue victory as the “perfect” start to the Criterium du Dauphine but insisted winning the overall title is not a priority.
Contador took the lead on the first of the race's eight days by beating Richie Porte into second place by six seconds and Chris Froome into third by 13 seconds on an uphill 3.9km course in Les Gets.
The 33-year-old Spaniard's performance suggested he has the form to win the Dauphine for the first time in his career, but he is adamant that building fitness for next month's Tour de France is his main objective for this week.
He said: "I didn't expect to win, but I can't say it's a surprise to beat Chris Froome. It's just been a perfect day and I will take the race day by day from now on.
"The time gaps are very small and Team Sky came to the Dauphine for winning. They even have four or five different riders able to win the overall classification.
"It would be complicated for my team to control the race from now till the end and it would be too demanding. My goal remains to prepare for the Tour de France more than the overall classification of the Dauphine."
Contador's win was his fourth of what has so far been an excellent season for the Tinkoff rider.
It was also his second victory in a time trial, following his triumph on a hilly course at the Tour of the Basque Country in April.
The eight-day Dauphine continues on Monday with a flat 186km first stage from Cluses to Saint-Vulbas. Find out more about the route in our race guide.