Stage one of the 2012 Tour de France delivered more than it’s fair share of excitement.
A disciplined breakaway, a determined chase, and fireworks in the final 10 kilometres, with GC contenders and the yellow jersey all vying for the stage win, produced a compelling climax.
Fabian Cancellara (RadioShack-Nissan-Trek) looked set to pull off a repeat of his sensational victory at the Strade Bianche in March, but succumbed to the all-conquering Peter Sagan (Liquigas-Cannondale) cycling’s most exciting rider.
Here are the key moments of today’s rolling, 198km stage from Liege to Seraing, captured by official UCI WorldTour photographer, Stefano Sirotti.
Peter Sagan spent the day as the focus of attention, beginning with an impromptu autograph session
Three-time world champion, Oscar Freire, seemed tailor made for today’s steep finish, but crossed the line 21 seconds behind the leaders
GC contenders Cadel Evans and Jurgen Van Den Broeck were among those pursuing victory in a hugely exciting finish to stage one
Team Sky’s Edvald Boasson Hagen left it late to drive clear of the peloton, but joined Cancellara and Sagan for the deciding sprint
The day ends for Sagan much as it had begun, at the centre of affairs
