Check out todays shots from Stage One of the Tour De France. The crowds at the bus were massive! Happy 4th of July. 

Tour de France

Stage 1: Rotterdam to Brussels, 223km/139mi

By Cathy Mehl
With fans in the USA celebrating Independence Day over hamburgers and fireworks, cycling fans around the world were tuned in to another type of pyrotechnics in the first road stage of Le Tour.  It was a nervous peloton that raced into Brussels on Sunday’s stage 1 for the 97th Tour de France and unfortunately many of them hit the deck in a massive pile-up that took out not only men sprinting for the finish but overall contenders too.  While chaos ensued behind, Lampre’s Alessandro Petacchi ramped up his speed, stayed clear of the others and claimed his 5th Tour de France stage victory and 164th career win.  Just behind for second and third were Mark Renshaw (HTC-Columbia) and Thor Hushovd (Cervelo).

Check out the photos from Stage 1 of the Tour de France.

The incomparable Graham Watson is sending us in race photos from his iPad...from the motorcycle.  Check out this great shot.
Photo: Graham Watson

Plain Stage
Sun, July 4—starts at 1145 local time

About Stage 1
By Chris Brewer
A day simply guaranteed for the proverbial “thundering herd” sprint finish.  While nerves will be twitchy inside the 198 rider peloton, the day’s escape should go out early enough to let things settle down.  As the pack approaches Brussels the roads are wide, and the finish is a barely uphill finale over 1km long.  Should be a very exciting ending!