Jasper Philipsen of Belgium claimed victory in the inaugural stage of the Tour de France with a dramatic sprint finish, delivering a thrilling conclusion to the 120km route from Saint-Étienne to Montbeliard. The 28-year-old, riding for Alpecin-Deezer, executed a flawless final burst to secure the stage win, showcasing his sprinting prowess on the challenging terrain.
Defending champion Tadej Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates crossed the line safely, maintaining his position as the overall leader of the race. Pogačar, who won the 2020 Tour de France, is aiming to become the first rider in the race’s history to win the event twice in consecutive years. His safety after the opening stage is a crucial factor in his bid for a historic double victory.
The opening stage set the tone for the 105th edition of the Tour de France, with the peloton facing the challenge of adapting to a route that included several mountainous sections. The race is expected to test the endurance of the riders as the competition progresses through the next stages.