- .British rider Mark Cavendish suffered a suspected broken collar bone after horror crash just 350 metres from finish
- .The cycling sprinter collided with Australia's Simon Gerrans and was seen clutching his shoulder as he fell to floor
- .Prime Minister David Cameron could be seen wincing as he watched the drama unfold on opening stage in Yorkshire
- .Crash meant coveted yellow jersey - presented by Duchess of Cambridge - was given to German rider Marcel Kittel
- .Thousands of people lined the streets of Yorkshire for the Grand Depart and opening stage of Tour de France today
- .120 mile route took the riders from Leeds through the Yorkshire Dales to the big finish in the spa town of Harrogate
- .Competitors were waved off by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry at Harewood House earlier today
- .Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning in green coat as she cut the ribbon to declare the 101st Tour officially open
The Duchess of Cambridge presented the coveted yellow jersey to Germany’s Marcel Kittel after the opening leg of the Tour de France today after Britain’s Mark Cavendish crashed out just moments from the finish line.
The future of the Tour remains in doubt for the British rider - who had been hoping to take the leader's yellow jersey in his mother's hometown of Harrogate, Yorkshire - after he was left with a suspected broken collar bone.
Prime Minister David Cameron, who was watching the opening stage with his son, winced as he watched the cycling champion crash to the ground just 350 metres from the finish.
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The future of the Tour remains in doubt for British rider Mark Cavendish - who had been hoping to take the leader's yellow jersey in his mother's hometown of Harrogate, Yorkshire - after he was left with a suspected broken collar bone following a horror crash just yards from the finish line
Mark Cavendish received medical treatment at the scene after falling from his bike in a horror crash just yards from the finish line in Harrogate
The Duchess of Cambridge handed out the first yellow jersey of the Tour de France to Germany's Marcel Kittel at the finish line of the first stage in Harrogate, Yorkshire
The Duchess of Cambridge presented the coveted yellow jersey to Germany's Marcel Kittel after the opening leg of the Tour de France today after Britain's Mark Cavendish crashed out just moments from the finish line
The Duchess of Cambridge (left) and Prince William and Prince Harry (right) look on in shock as they watch Mark Cavendish crash just 350 metres from the finish line
Prime Minister David Cameron, who was watching the opening stage with his son, winced as he watched the cycling champion crash to the ground just 350 metres from the finish
More than one million cycling fans lined the streets of Yorkshire this morning for the historic opening stage, which saw all 198 riders line up in the centre of Leeds for the Grand Depart
It meant his rival, Team Giant Shimano's Marcel Kittel, was presented with the leader’s yellow jersey by the Duchess of Cambridge, who officially opened the first leg of this year’s Tour with Prince William and Prince Harry.
More than one million cycling fans lined the streets of Yorkshire this morning for the historic opening stage, which saw all 198 riders line up in the centre of Leeds for the Grand Depart.
However, while Cavendish contended to cycle home as winner of the first stage – his efforts were thwarted when he collided with Australia’s Simon Gerrans during the hectic finish.
The British cycling sprinter was bidding for the 26th Tour stage win of his career and a first yellow jersey, but ended up seeing his efforts dashed when he suffered a suspected broken collar bone in the hefty fall.
However, not one to stay down, he climbed back on his bike and rolled over the finish line before being taken to Harrogate District Hospital for treatment.
It was an unfortunate finish for the rider, who was greeted with cheers and messages of support as he embarked on the 120 mile route through the Yorkshire Dales to the spa town of Harrogate.
Mark Cavendish collided with Australian rider Simon Gerrans about 350 metres from the finish line in Harrogate
While Cavendish contended to cycle home as winner of the first stage ¿ his efforts were thwarted when he collided with Australia¿s Simon Gerrans during the hectic finish
The British cycling sprinter was bidding for the 26th Tour stage win of his career and a first yellow jersey, but ended up seeing his efforts dashed when he suffered a suspected broken collar bone in the hefty fall
Mark Cavendish looked in obvious pain as he clutched his collar bone and shoulder following the crash on stage one
Mark Cavendish's mother, Adele, watches with horror as she witnesses her son crash just yards from the finish on the first stage of the Tour in Harrogate, Yorkshire
The cycling sprinter grimaced in pain as he was helped by a medical team in the aftermath of his fall, which came about 350 metres from the finish
Mark Cavendish managed to climb back on his bike and roll over the finish line before being taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries
Cavendish looked in pain as he cycled over the finish line with his arm resting on his stomach
Fans desperately tried to take photographs of the British rider who looked glum-faced as he finished the opening stage of this year's Tour
Mark Cavendish, who received an MBE in 2011 (left), has a daughter called Delilah Grace with former glamour model Peta Todd, who he married last year (together above)
Cavendish's crash meant German rival Marcel Kitty picked up the leader's yellow jersey on the opening stage. He was congratulated by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry who all clapped as he took to the podium
Prime Minister David Cameron was in Harrogate today to watch the opening stage of this year's Tour de France
Doctors this evening confirmed Cavendish separated the acromioclavicular joint between his right shoulder and collarbone when he took the hefty fall.
The 29-year-old had an MRI scan on the injury after the crash and now plans to make a decision tomorrow morning as to whether he can continue with the Tour with his Omega Pharma-QuickStep team.
‘I'm gutted about the crash today,’ he said this evening.
‘It was my fault. I'll personally apologise to Simon Gerrans as soon as I get the chance. In reality, I tried to find a gap that wasn't really there.
‘I wanted to win today, I felt really strong and was in a great position to contest the sprint thanks to the unbelievable efforts of my team. Sorry to all the fans that came out to support - it was truly incredible.’
After the British rider crashed out, Germany’s Marcel Kittel raced away to win the opening stage of the Tour for a second year running.
Prince William, Kate and Harry were at the starting line at Harewood House in Leeds to officially start this year's Tour de France
The Duchess of Cambridge was given the honour of cutting the ribbon, which symbolises that the Tour de France is officially underway
Kate looks delighted as she officially declares that the 101st Tour de France is underway as she cuts the ceremonial ribbon, helped by Prince William and Prince Harry
The royals stayed in Harrogate for the end of the first stage when the Duchess of Cambridge presented the stage winner with the yellow jersey
Kate and William shook hands with the lead Tour de France competitors ahead of the race beginning at Harewood House in Leeds
Prince Harry chats to leading British rider Mark Cavendish ahead of the race, which saw him crash out yards from the finish iin Harrogate
The royals, joined by other dignitaries including Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, left, applaud the riders as they set off for the start of the race
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge left Harewood House by helicopter shortly after the race began and flew to Harrogate to welcome home the first stage winner
Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate visited West Tanfield after the race began where local people were celebrating the Grand Depart
Kate, wearing a bottle green coat by label Erdem, talked to the members of the public gathered for the race
The peloton, including Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish, set off on the 120 mile race which took in the Yorkshire Dales on their way to the spa town of Harrogate
The cyclists earlier left Leeds city centre, where thousands of people had lined the streets to wave off ther riders on the three-week race
They're off: This year's Tour de France competitors leave Leeds city centre for the Grand Depart of the race
Yorkshire was packed with spectators for the opening stage today, which got underway after the Duchess of Cambridge - dressed in a bottle green coat with grey clutch bag – cut the starting ribbon alongside Prince William and Harry.
Before the race began, the cyclists took off their helmets and were greeted with a rendition of both the French and British national anthems, performed by the Band of the Corps of the Royal Engineers.
Along with the Duke and Prince Harry, Kate chatted with the lead riders, including reigning Tour champion Chris Froome.
Loud cheers also erupted from the crowd as the RAF's Red Arrows performed a flyover that left a trail of red, white and blue vapour - the national colours of France and the UK.
The race saw the peloton make its way through scores of towns and villages along the route with crowds cheering them on.
Although the Tour started in the middle of Leeds, the teams did not compete for the first eight miles and the race properly began in the grounds of Harewood House, with the Red Arrows also flying overhead
Cycling fans clamber on to the steps of Leeds Town Hall marking the start of the Tour de France, known as the Grand Depart
Fans looked out of windows and from roof tops to watch the cyclists go past the Headrow in Leeds. One man, right, even perched himself on the ledge of a fourth floor balcony to get a better look at the riders
Businesses and homes in town and villages across the route have been decorated for the race, with this pub decked in replica yellow jerseys
Spectators were basked in sunshine in Ilkley on the tour's two day visit to Yorkshire, which will move south to Cambridge on Monday in a stage that will end on The Mall in Central London
Leeds major shopping street, the Headrow, was packed full of spectators for the Grand Depart of the Tour de France
Leeds city centre was packed full of cycling fans ahead of the Grand Depart of the Tour de France which left the city at noon today
The tour publicity caravan made its way through the streets of Leeds, marking the start of the 2014 Tour de France before the Grand Depart
The Grand Depart of the tour has attracted cycling fans both young and old to cheer on the riders
Spectators arrived in Leeds city centre from early this morning to get a good spot to see the historic Grand Depart of the Tour de France in Yorkshire
It is the first time the race has returned to Britain since 2007, and two stages of the tour will be held in Yorkshire
The British contingent among the huge crowds were hoping that Mark Cavendish would be first across the finish line in Harrogate.
His mother lives in the spa town and the British rider was hoping to bag the yellow jersey as the ideal end to the opening stage of the Tour.
However, the 29-year-old's hopes were dashed when he suffered the unexpected fall and fans will now be eagerly awaiting tomorrow's news to see if he is able to compete in the rest of the Tour.
British hopes were also lying with last year's Tour de France champion Chris Froome, who avoided the trouble to place sixth, but will face a sterner test in Sunday's 201km second stage from York to Sheffield.
While he is trying to defend his title, 2012 winner Sir Bradley Wiggins is not competing in this year's Tour.
The royal visitors waited at the finish line to welcome the leaders and the peloton before the Duchess of Cambridge presented the leader's yellow jersey on the podium.
The spa town of Harrogate was full of spectators ahead of the grand finish earlier today
The usually quiet North Yorkshire dales filled up with spectators for the Tour de France. Fans gathered in Buttertubs, pictured, which marked the steepest and most dangerous section of today's race
Residents in the town of Skipton decorated their house in anticipation of welcoming the opening stage of the Tour de France
Some spectators arrived in the village of Reeth in the Yorkshire Dales where the peloton passed through on their way to Harrogate today
Many of the small towns and villages along the opening stage have been getting in the French spirit ahead of the tour
Spectators in Ilkley turn out for what is being billed as 'the world's greatest cycle race'
Residents in villages along the route hung bunting in the race's signature canary yellow in their towns and villages, and painted phone boxes to match, ahead of today's opening stage.
A large banner in the shape of the yellow jersey could be seen draped over the roof of the historic York Minster cathedral, and the famous race leader's jersey also adorned the statue of the Black Prince in Leeds.
Even animals were not immune from cycling fever. Farmers spray-painted their sheep and alpacas in yellow, green and red polka dots to match the various winners' jerseys.
Enthusiastic fans sporting black and white striped tops, berets, strings of garlic around their necks and bushy moustaches took to their bikes in homage to the French - who invented the race 101 years ago.
The red, white and blue flags of France and Great Britain could be seen draped across the front of shops and pubs as businesses raced to embrace the visitors travelling from across the Channel for the start of the Tour.
Up to three million people are expected to watch the Tour's two-day visit to Yorkshire.
Tomorrow, the riders arrive in York for a stage taking in some of the most challenging climbs in Britain, ending in Sheffield.
And, on Monday, the Tour moves south to Cambridge and a stage ending on The Mall, in central London.
The Tour de France is now in its 101st first year and the 2,277-mile, 21-stage race ends in Paris on 27 July.
These cycling fans, wore 'Where's Wiggo?' T-shirts after it was announced the first British winner of the Tour in 2012 Bradley Wiggins, would not be taking part in this year's race
Enthusiastic fans were eager to cheer on British riders Mark Cavendish and Chris Froome, with this man decked out in a suit of the Union flag
British hopes lie with last year's overall champion, Chris Froome, with his fans arriving in Leeds for the Grand Depart
At the finishing line in Harrogate, Arthen (left) and Lilwen Banning showed their support with chalk for British rider Mark Cavendish, who crashed out yards from the finish
Up to three million people are expected to watch the Tour's two-day visit to Yorkshire, with the riders passing through Yorkshire again tomorrow on their way from York to Sheffield
Spectators and residents of Ilkley, west Yorkshire were out early to set up their chairs to make sure they are in prime position for the race passing through
The huge crowds expected on the route will be hoping that Mark Cavendish is first across the finish line
The red, white and blue flags of France and Great Britain have been draped across the front of shops and pubs as businesses race to embrace the visitors travelling from across the Channel
People are also lining up in Harrogate where today's stage will finish, with Mike King, left, with his wife Frances and sons Oliver and James already taking their positio
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