Tour de France 2011: Stage one – in pictures

There's anticipation among the fans at the Passage du Gois for the arrival of the riders for the start of the stage Photograph: Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images

There are also silly costumes. It's Minnie Mouse and a patriotic red squirrel in case you were wondering Photograph: Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images

It's not just the fans who are in fancy dress, some of the bikes are too Photograph: Pete Goding/Action Images

The peloton passes along the Passage du Gois, a causeway submerged by the tide twice a day joining Noirmoutier island and the mainland Photograph: Christophe Ena/AP

It's not just the peloton that has to navigate the narrow causeway it's all the support vehicles too Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Europcar rider Vincent Jerome lies down after a crash and hopes he doesn't get hit by any of the other riders Photograph: Pool/Reuters

Pierre Roland passes a Tour de France inspired floral arrangement on a roundabout in the city of Les Sables d'Olonnne Photograph: Peter Dejong/AP

As well as making it's way through the French countryside... Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

And up steep hills in the Vendee region Photograph: Laurent Cipriani/AP

Spain's three-time winner Alberto Contador speeds along a road. Contador was involved in one of three crashes on the first stage, but he wasn't injured Photograph: St Phane Mantey/AFP/Getty Images

The peloton passes through a forest near the village of Brem sur Mer Photograph: Laurent Cipriani/AP

The peloton streams over a bridge as they pass a church at Mareuil-sur-Lay Photograph: Denis Balibouse/Reuters

Omega Pharma-Lotto rider Philippe Gilbert sprints towards the finishing line Photograph: Pascal Rossignol/Reuters

Which he crosses and kisses his shirt badge... Photograph: Nathalie Magniez/AFP/Getty Images

...and celebrates his victory Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

World Road Race champion Thor Hushovd recovers after finishing third Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Contador looks in a thoughtful mood as he crosses the finish line. He'll be hoping for a better performance in stage 2 Photograph: Guillaume Horcajuelo/EPA