The day after stage 1 puts yellow on the back of Mark Cavendish, a brilliant stage 2 finish transfers that yellow onto Peter Sagan.  For the former this marks his 27th career TDF stage win, while the latter finally enjoys his first such TDF victory du jour since 2013. Plus, both have now worn le maillot jaune for their first times in any Tour de France!

Then comes stage 3, and a second, photo-finish win for Cavendish! This brings him to 28 total TDF stage wins, surpassed only by the legendary Eddy Merckx.  Meanwhile, Sagan gets to enjoy yellow for at least another day across relatively flat central France.

Altogether, my two favorites are off to memorable starts.  Three down, 18 to go.  Vive Le Tour!  And Happy 4th of July to the mere five competing Americans!