It was Cavendish's 27th stage win in the race. The last Frenchman to win on the opening day was Christophe Moreau, in Dunkerque in 2001. Two-time Tour winner Alberto Contador crashed midway through the stage and several riders were involved in an ugly high-speed crash on the final straight. Plat du jour: Andouille de Vire, a pork intestines sausage from the town of Vire that is seasoned with Guerande sea salt. Vin du jour: Forget about the wine and have a sip of the famous local apple cider instead.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 02, 2016 18:11 UTC