While most of us here on the 4th we were attending BBQ's and pool parties, masses flocked to Monaco for the beginning of the 96th Tour de France. The race covers a total of 2,200 miles over a course of 23 days. The race is broken up into "stages". Each stage is hosted in different towns and cites through out France and parts of Monaco, Spain, Italy, Andorra and Switzerland. In total, there are 21 stages and are of several varieties. There are Plain, which overall is a flat course. Individual Time Trial, where solo riders race over shorter distances for time. High Mountains, which cover the country side and of course mountains. Steep ones. And finally, Team Time Trials.

There are 20 teams out of a total of 180 riders

It is of course the Yellow jersey or maillot jaune, that is most coveted. Each stage winner is awarded a yellow jersey but it's the overall time calculated at the end of July that will determine exactly who the 2009 TDF winner will be.

Stage 1 - July 4th - 15.5 km [9.6m]
The first chapter is an individual time trial through the streets of Monaco.

Won by 28 year old, Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland with a time of 19:32.

USA's Lance Armstrong, jersey #22, came in at 10th with a time of 20:12. [It's only the beginning folks]

Stage 2 - July 5th - 187 km [116.2m]
A plain course starting in Brignoles ending in Monaco.

Won by 24 year old, Mark Cavendish of Great Britain with a time of 4h 30 min 2 sec.

Mr. Armstrong came in at a respectful 19th place out of the 179 remaining racers.

Stage 3 - July 6th - 196.5 km [121.7m]
A plain course starting in La Grande-Motte and ends in Marseille

Mark Cavendish wins his second stage at a time of 5h, 1m, 24 s.

Stage 4 - July 7th - 39k [24.2m]
The first team time trial course which starts/stops in Montpellier.

Lance Armstrong and his crew of Team Astana took the W. Yes! They beat out the rest with a time of 46m, 29s.

As of now in total time, Lance holds the second place behind Cancellara with a covered total distance of 438k. That's 272 miles. These men are insane.

For in depth coverage do what I did and visit TDF.