away and a clear picture emerged in the last mile and a half, as the rainbow striped jersey of the world champion, julian alaphilippe, left the peloton trailing in his wake. he had time to savour the moment, it s 20 years since a frenchman last won the first stage of the tour. while behind him the three race favourites, primoz roglic, tadej pogacar and geraint thomas all ensured they re still in contention, others weren t so lucky. drew savage, bbc. defending champion lizzie deignan finished ninth in la course the one day women s version of the race. dutchwoman demi vollering won the sprint to claim her first title. next year the one day race will be replaced by an eight day tour de france for the first time since 1989. championship leader max verstappen will start on pole position for styrian grand prix in austria. he was a class apart in his red bull at the red bull ring although when he looks in his mirrors tomorrow he s just ahead of lewis hamilton and lando norris in third. ni