Tour de France: the final stage - in pictures

Having claimed the overall lead from Andy Schleck in Saturday's time-trial, Australia's Cadel Evans is all but certain to win the Tour today. Alongside him on the start line are Samuel Sánchez (King of the Mountains) in the polka-dot jersey, Mark Cavendish (thus far the best sprinter) in the green jersey, and Pierre Roland (best young rider) in the white jersey. Theoretically, the only one of those jerseys which is still up for grabs is Cavendish's ... unless something calamitous happens to Evans, that is Photograph: Laurent Cipriani/AP

Evans sips champagne at the start of the 95km journey to Paris. He thinks the win is a formality Photograph: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images

Oh wait, what's this? Evans seems to be having some trouble with his bike. Fortunately a replacement is swiftly available and he's back on his way Photograph: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP/Getty Images

Into the French capital they go Photograph: EMMA FOSTER/EPA

Visible proof there, in case it were needed Photograph: Guillaume Horcajuelo/EPA

Round they go for a few laps around the Champs-Elysees. That's Frank Schleck of Leopard Trek on the right. He'll finish this Tour in third place behind his brother Andy Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

Mark Cavendish sits among his HTC team-mates as they prepare for the final sprint down the cobble stones towards the Arc. Cavendish must finish in the top three to guarantee himself the green jersey Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

The Manxman darts to the front and looks uncatchable. His team-mate is celebrating already! Photograph: Pete Goding/Action Images

Over the line he goes and the victory is his. It's the 20th stage win of his career and most importantly it's secured his status as the best sprinter of the 2011 Tour. He amassed 334 points, beating José Joaquin Rojas Gil into second place by 62 points Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Evans, meanwhile, crosses the finish line among the peloton to secure his first overall Tour victory. He completes the Tour in a total time of 86 hours 12 mins and 22 secs Photograph: Pete Goding/Action Images

Cavendish and Evans embrace as they collect their trophies Photograph: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Having beaten the Schleck brothers, Evans goes one step further and upsets Frank Schleck's baby Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

At 34, Evans is the oldest rider to win the Tour since the Second World War. Surely the Schlecks, who were pipped by Alberto Contador last year, will have better luck next year? Photograph: Eric Gaillard/Reuters