How do you begin to sum up a Tour De France as good as the one we have just witnessed? From crashes and mountain duels to the greatest sprinter of all time and a 1st ever victory for someone outside Europe of the US. Here is our pick of the 2011 Tour de France.

Crashes

No other start of the Tour has been defined by the sheer number of crashes.

Stage 1 saw a spectator get too close to the riders and cause a huge crash which decimated the peloton. Contador amongst others was caught in the pile up and unfortunately for him, found himself caught in further pile ups in the first week. He never really recovered and went on to finish 5th this year.



Bradley Wiggins, who's form was as good as it's ever been was denied a shoat at the GC when he came off worst in another pile up. A broken collar bone put his Tour de France to an end.

Neck and Neck Finishes

Stage 4 saw Cadel Evans win by a hair's breadth and taking the Maillot Jaune for the first time this year. it was to be a good year for the Australian!

The Norwegian influence

The giant Thor Hushovd had a tour to remember and was in great shape on Stage 16. Charging across the line in front of his compatriot Edvald Boasson Hagen of Team Sky, the big man later remarked "It was a bit like the Norwegian championship!"  The Norwegian corner just off the Champs Elysees will be an abiding memory of this year's Tour.

Greatest in Green?

Are we witnessing the greatest ever sprinter in his peak? Cav rode across the finish line first on the Champs Elysees to win the final Tour stage for the third year in a row, complete his 20th ever stage win but most importantly for him, win him his coveted green jersey. Special mention has to go to his incredible leadout train who deliver him exactly where he needs to be.

Cadel Evans

After coming so close in the last couple of years, Cadel Evans has become only the 3rd person outside of Europe to win the Tour de France. We get choked up watching him get choked up on the podium!! Fought like crazy throughout the 3 weeks. Cadel, congratulations, you are a true legend.



This Tour has been so full of incident that we couldn't possibly put it all into one blog so special mention goes to Geraint Thomas for wearing the white jersey and holding it for most of the 1st week. This rider will be a force to be reckoned with. Lets also not forget some of the incredible stage routes including the Galibier and Alpe D'Huez.

Bring on next year!