Thor Hushovd of the Credit Agricole team holds the yellow jersey after the prologue stage of the Tour

The Discovery Channel rider George Hincapie eyes the yellow jersey of Thor Husveld as they wait to start the first stage

The peloton pass by the majestic cathedral in Strasbourg as they embark on the 184.5km opening stage

Germany's Sebastian Lang takes time out from his preparations to sign an autograph on an avid fan's t-shirt

The multi-coloured peloton snakes its way through the tight streets of Strasbourg watched by thousands of spectators

Members of the Credit Agricole team lead the peloton as they bid to reduce the gap on the breakaway leaders

French fans show rather more sedate support for the riders as they move through the picturesque French countryside

A group of seven riders, led by Stephane Auge of the Cofidis team, establish a four-minute lead over the chasing peloton

A patriotic Frenchman cheers on riders as they endure the heat of the day on their approach to Strasbourg

Tom Boonen finds time to share a joke with Thor Hushovd as his team chases down the leading pack

Floyd Landis of the Phonak team takes on board some vital energy whilst riding alongside Robbie McEwen

The Spaniard Alejandro Valverde, a leading contender to clinch the yellow jersey, starts to move up the peloton

The Frenchman Florent Brard of the Caisse d'Epargne-Illes Balears team moves to the head of the peloton

Frenchman Jimmy Casper shows his delight as he holds off Robbie McEwen and Eric Zabel to claim the first stage victory

Thor Hushovd has a huge gash in his arm treated after he caught a spectator's camera on the sprint to the finish line

Team Discovery Channel's George Hincapie celebrates capturing the yellow jersey after the first stage of the Tour