Race favourite Lance Armstrong warms up ahead of the first stage proper of this year's Tour between Liege and Charleroi

White jersey wearer Tom Boonen of Quick Step shares a few words with leader Fabian Cancellara of Fassa Bortolo

Conditions are good as the riders jostle for position at the start of the 202.5-kilometre first stage

The peloton rides out of Durbuy - and after 13km four riders are clear as they approach the first climb of the day

Boonen and Cancellara enjoy a chat while Lance Armstrong in the green jersey watches from behind

After 202 kilometres the peloton battle it out to the finish to see who can pull off the stage win

Estonia's Jaan Kirsipuu displays the sheer energy required to keep him ahead of Norway's Thor Hushovd and win stage one

Swiss Fabian Cancellara retains the yellow jersey after stage one after finishing as part of a crowded peloton