Summary

  • Teunissen wins opening stage in Brussels

  • Winner becomes first Dutchman to claim yellow jersey since 1989

  • Defending champion Geraint Thomas involved in late crash but 'fine'

  • 106th edition of the Tour de France & 100th anniversary of the Yellow Jersey

  • Brussels chosen to host the Grand Depart to mark 50 years since Eddy Merckx's first title

Live Reporting

Steve Sutcliffe

  1. Le Tour pays homage to Merckx

    If you're wondering just exactly why we're in Brussels to kick-off this behemoth of a three-week race....

    Basically the Grand Depart this year is all about paying homage to five-time joint-record champion Eddy Merckx.

    The Belgian capital was chosen to host the start for the first time since 1958 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Merckx's first title.

    Belgian rider Merckx, now 74, won six stages on his way to the 1969 title and holds the record for the most Tour de France stage wins with 34.

    Now are you r'eddy to get back to business? Get it.

    Eddy MerckxGetty Images
    Brussels in YellowGetty Images
    Are you r'eddyGetty Images

  2. Not long now until we get under way in Brussels.

    The riders and teams are ready and national anthems are being sung.

  3. The Tour de France takes in 21 stages across the 3,480km (2,162 miles) route with a mix of flat sprinter-friendly days, time trials and climbs up some of the highest mountain passes in Europe

    But if you've not seen this inhumanely difficult test of endurance, tactics and speed with your own eyes before or just fancy a quick refresh before this race gets into full swing....

    Well, BBC Sport has got everything you need to know about La Grande Boucle here.

    Enjoy.

    General photo of Tour de FranceGetty Images
    Tour de France in ParisGetty Images
    General Tour de France photoGetty Images

  4. Watch: 'Famished but focused' - Thomas

    Now let's hear from the defending champion Geraint Thomas as he talks about the sacrifices it takes to become champion.

    Tour de France 2019: Deep down we'll know who's best - Geraint Thomas

  5. So what can we expect over the next three weeks. Well basically 176 riders from 22 teams, compete for the coveted yellow jersey, worn by the daily leader and overall winner of the general classification (GC).

  6. Welcome

    Geraint Thomas & Chris FroomeGetty Images
    Bicycle figures are set around BrusselsGetty Images
    Brussels bike featureGetty Images
    Koningsplein Square, BrusselsGetty Images

    Good morning and welcome to possibly the biggest annual sporting event in the world.

    I know there's Tennis, Cricket and a Women's World Cup (Football) in full swing but for many the Tour de France is the sight and sound of the summer.

    Oh and if you're wondering about its greatness - around 4,500 people work on the Tour and some 10-12 million fans are expected to line the route.

    That's more live spectators than an Olympic Games or Fifa World Cup.

    Founded in 1903 by Henri Desgrange, editor of L'Auto newspaper, this is the 106th edition of the Tour and Geraint Thomas is the defending champion, with British riders having won six of the last seven races.