Mark Cavendish has described his victory on the opening stage of the 103rd Tour De France at Utah Beach as a very special one.
The Dimension Data rider sprinted away to victory to win the stage and achieve his first ever yellow jersey in a race that he has been participating in since 2007.
Speaking about his win, Cavendish said:This is a very special win. It is the first time I have had the honour of wearing the yellow jersey.
"What a special moment to do it, with such special people. Three of my last guys, Edvald, Mark and Bernie were guys that have been with me my whole career and to have Reinardt Janse van Rensburg pulling full on for me in the final, it was super emotional for me.
"In this team, we race for more than just our sponsors, we race to raise the profile of the Qhubeka charity and to put 5000 kids on bicycles. There is no better way to do that than to wear the most iconic symbol in cycling and that’s the yellow jersey. I am very, very happy."
Picture copyright of CNS Sport