Jimmy Casper produced a stunning sprint finish to win Sunday's first stage of the Tour de France after yellow jersey holder Thor Hushovd sustained a nasty arm injury yards from the finish line.
The 28-year-old Frenchman Casper, riding for the Credit Par Telephone team, saw off competition from Robbie McEwen and Erik Zabel, who finished second and third respectively in the 184.5 kilometre stage.
But it was the injury to Hushovd that marred a superb finish as the Norwegian - who won Saturday’s prologue race - received a gash to his right elbow after he was caught by an object held over the barriers by a spectator.
Georgie Hincapie, riding for the Discovery Channel Team, claimed the yellow jersey despite finishing in 23rd place after he recorded a time bonus in the third intermediate sprints.
The American is bidding to emulate former team-mate Lance Armstrong who won the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times before calling time on his coveted career.
