Manx Missile finished nearly 40 minutes down on day one
It was a disappointing start to the Tour de France for Sir Mark Cavendish, who finished nearly 40 minutes down on the peloton on day one of the event.
The Manx Missile is attempting to claim a record 35th stage victory this year, but appeared to suffer from illness in gruelling heat yesterday (29th June).
His teammate Michele Gazzoli had to abandon the race with gastrointestinal problems due to heatstroke.
Speaking to official Tour media afterwards, Cavendish said that on the whole his Astana Qazaqstan Team worked well together to get through it:
Romain Bardet crossed the line first in Rimini to take the yellow jersey.
Today's second stage is set to get underway at 11.35am BST, and is expected to conclude at around 5.45pm.
Rugby: Bevan Rodd on bench for England's opening Six Nations match
MGP 26: A new Quayle set for the start line
Football: Douglas Royal face Peel in Floodlit Cup Final clash
Hockey: Three wins for Island sides in England Championships
