The 100th edition of the Tour de France started in Corsica on Saturday, with the first stage a 213-kilometre ride up the Mediterranean island’s east coast from Porto-Vecchio to Bastia.The first three stages will take place on Corsica, which has never previously welcomed the sport’s most famous race, before the Tour arrives on France’s mainland at Nice next Tuesday.
A total of 198 riders will take part in the three-week race, which will conclude with a night-time finish on the Champs Elysees in Paris on Sunday, July 21.
Britain’s Chris Froome is widely considered the favourite to succeed compatriot Bradley Wiggins as winner.
(AFP, Bastia)
