Tour de France 2018 Grand Départ LIVE: Chris Froome crashes as Fernando Gaviria wins stage one latest updates
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Tour de France gets under way with a 201km jaunt from Noirmoutier-en-L'Ile in Vendee, scene of this year's Grand Depart, to the stage 1 finish in Fontenay-le-Comte.
Most of the route tracks France's north-west coastline meaning crosswinds could be a factor affecting the peloton, but conditions are warm and calm so we can expect the 176 riders to make it to the end and a bunch sprint to ensue.
Mark Cavendish will have his eye on clinching the yellow jersey for Sunday's stage 2 by winning here but he faces stiff competition from a strong sprint field
Follow all the action below with our live blog:
Prediction
A bunch sprint to be claimed by one of the power riders – we'll pick Marcel Kittel.
How to watch on TV
The race will be shown live on Eurosport and ITV.
Odds
Fernando Gavaria 9/4
Marcel Kittel 9/2
Arnaud Demare 6/1
Polka dot winner
Kevin Ledanois wins the spring at côte de Vix, he'll collect the polka dot jersey.
16km to go
Kevin Ledanois has been taken by the peloton as Jerome Cousin and Yoann Offredo hold onto their ever-decreasing 30" lead.
10" lead
For the first time the lead is reducing, it's between 7"-10" with 13km to go.
11km to go
Jerome Cousin and Yoann Offredo are continuing to hold onto their breakaway lead. Oliver Naesen is on his own between the breakaway bunch and targetting the bonus sprint.
8km to go
Big crash in the middle of the pack and riders are struggling to get past. Chris Frome got through safely but the same cannot be said for one of his Team Sky teammates who was caught up.
5 km to go
The riders are cruising at speeds of over 50kph as we approach the end of the stage, just 5,000m to the finish. Very hard to call this finish, Mark Cavendish is well placed to end this well.
Chris Froome crashes
The Brit was caught up in an incident but fortunately had a soft landing. He's back on his bike and travelling with the pack with a few scuffs on his jersey.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments