Stage 1: McEwen stages remarkable recovery

"AUSTRALIAN Robbie McEwen produced a stunning finish to win the first road stage of the Tour de France early today (Melbourne time).

McEwen, 35, looked to be out of contention when he had to stop for repairs after a crash as the race approached Canterbury towards the end of the 203-kilometre ride from London.

But the Predictor-Lotto team member produced a blistering sprint to take the spoils from Norway's Thor Hushovd and Tom Boonen of Belgium. Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara of CSC retained the race leader's yellow jersey although Britain's David Millar moved up to third overall."