Estonian Jaan Kirsipuu won the first stage of the Tour de France, edging out Robbie McEwen and Thor Hushovd in a thrilling sprint finish.
Kirsipuu, who rides for AG2R Prevoyance, held his nerve in the final stages to take the 202.5-kilometre stage from Liege to Charleroi in Belgium. Prologue winner Fabian Cancellara, the Swiss who rides for Fassa Bortolo, held onto the leader's yellow jersey, ahead of Norwegian Hushovd, who is competing for Credit Agricole.
Competing in his first Tour, Ireland's Mark Scanlon finished a superb 39th place. He was on the rear wheel of Mario Cipollini when crossing the finishing line, in a field of 188 riders.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
