Stage 1: Saint-Denis to Meaux, 104.3 miles.
Stage winner: Alessandro Petacchi (Italy), Fassa Bortolo, in 3 hours 44 minutes 33 seconds.
How he did it: Petacchi was one of the few riders in a bunch sprint in the last half-mile who was out in front of a massive crash that brought down 35 riders and knocked top Tour contender Tyler Hamilton out of the race.
Inside the peloton: Lance Armstrong, who was involved in the pile-up but not seriously hurt, finished the stage on teammate Jose Luis Rubiera’s bike after his own rear tire deflated. Rubiera finished on a replacement bike.
Overall leader: Bradley McGee (Australia), FDJeux.com, by 4 seconds.
Armstrong watch: 8th place, 11 seconds behind.
Up next: La Ferte-sous-Jouarre to Sedan, 127 miles.
What to expect: Some rolling terrain interrupts this long, flat stage. Should have been the second of three straight days for the sprinters to shine, but there will be some banged-up riders on the road.
