Philipsen wins Tour de France opener, Czech Bittner finishes in second group

Belgian sprinter Jasper Philipsen claimed victory in the first stage of the Tour de France in Lille and took the yellow jersey for the first time in his career. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider, a past winner of the green points jersey, earned his tenth Tour stage win. Strong crosswinds split the peloton 17 km from the finish, leaving several contenders—including Czech rider Pavel Bittner—trailing. Bittner crossed the line in 43rd place, 39 seconds behind the lead group. Main favorites Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard finished safely at the front. Sunday’s second stage stretches 209.1 km to Boulogne-sur-Mer.