Mark Cavendish's dream of winning a stage in the Tour de France at the first attempt ended in disappointment this afternoon.
The Manx T-Mobile rider crashed out 18 kilometres from the finish line in Canterbury.
He was given a new bike but was too far off the pace to contest the sprint at the end.
The first stage was won by Australian Robbie McEwan who made a remarkable recovery after crashing himself about 10 milometres from Canterbury.
Britain's David Millar was fourth.
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Elsewhere, Ramsey and Vagabonds both on the road in Counties 3 ADM Lancs/Cheshire