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German sprinter Marcel Kittel of Team Giant-Shimano took the opening stage of the 2014 Tour de France as well as the yellow jersey that goes with it in a stage marked by the aggressive riding of Team Trek's Jens Voigt and Fabian Cancellara...as well as a nasty crash in the sprint that may have knocked British favorite Mark Cavendish out of the race. See stage 1 results here.

STAGE 1 PHOTOS

Stage 1- Cav Chalk Outline

UK sprinter Mark Cavendish hit the deck hard, dislocating a collarbone and putting his further participation in serious doubt. He later admitted the crash was his fault. We'll see if Cav takes the start in the AM. Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1- UK Sun

Other than possibly losing their favorite sprinter, it was a glorious day for cycling in the UK. Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1 - Orica-Tom Petty

Orica-Greenedge may not back down, but their star sprinter Simon Garrens got knocked down by Mark Cavendish in the sprint today. Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1 - Booty Call

A Team BMC mechanic makes a rolling house call on Greg Van Avermaet during Stage 1. Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1- GVA-Captain Morgan

It took a little more effort than expected to get Van Avermaet sorted, but he eventually rejoined the group. Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1 - Vampire-Attack

Screw all that "mind the gap" nonsense--it's the vampires you need to look out for. Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1 - Bombing the Royals

Andy Schleck photobombs the Royal Family before the start of Stage 1. If Kate's sprint-leader green dress was supposed to bring luck to Cavendish, it didn't work. Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1- Eisel Selfie 2

Sky's Bernhard Eisel photographed in his second selfie in as many days. Should we start a pool on his Tour total? Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1 - Fork Yeah Jens Voigt!

Jens Voigt on a solo break in Stage 1. Unfortunately his legs didn't shut up, but we still love this guy. And his heroics earned him the polka dot climber's jersey. Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1 - UK-Throngs

The crowds for Stage 1's Leeds to Harrogate route were enormous. With their surge in the results over the past few years, Britain seems to have more cycling fans than ever. Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1 - Kittel Elated

Giant-Shimano's Marcel Kittel would likely have won today's stage even if Cavendish had stayed upright. The young German looks to be on great form. Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1 - Big-Jersey

Not only did Kittel's sprint net him the stage win, he also pulls on the race's yellow leader's jersey--a pretty big deal for the Giant-Shimano rider. Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1 - Hugs and Kittel

Today's was the biggest win in Kittel's career. Cheers mate. Photo by Graham Watson

Stage 1 - Hands in the Royal Air

Kittel could care less if Harry's bored--he's the first leader of the 2014 Tour de France. Photo by Graham Watson

STAGE 1 PHOTO GALLERY