Tour de France begins in Corsica marking 100th anniversary; Kittel wins first jersey

The Tour de France began its 100th race in Porto Vecchio, Corsica on Saturday.

Saturday's 132-mile first stage took riders along the Corsican coast to the city of Bastia.

Last year's champion Bradley Wiggins is not competing in the race, leaving the UK's Mark Cavendish, Slovakia's Peter Sagan and Spain's Alberto Contador just a few of the favorites to win.

Another top contender, Chris Froome, faced early mechanical problems about three miles into the race when his rear tire was damaged.

Despite expectations for the above contenders, German cyclist Marcel Kittel won the first yellow jersey on Saturday.

It is the first Tour de France after disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong was exposed for doping, having his seven titles stripped from him.

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