The start of the Tour de France cycling race at Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, yesterday. Britain's Mark Cavendish closed in on the all-time record by winning the opening 188km stage at Utah Beach. The 31-year-old's 27th stage win since 2008 puts him just one win behind Bernard Hinault in the all-time list. Belgian legend Eddy Merckx remains out in front on 34 victories. Cavendish will now embark on today's second stage wearing the yellow jersey for the first time in his career. German Marcel Kittel took second place yesterday with world champion Peter Sagan third.
Veteran Cavendish leads Tour de France for first time
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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on July 03, 2016, with the headline Veteran Cavendish leads Tour de France for first time. Subscribe
