The race favourite Chris Froome is wearing the Tour de France yellow jersey after a stunning win on the first day in the mountains.
The British Sky team leader launched a solo attack five kilometres from the race's first summit finish and went over the line 51 seconds ahead of Australian teammate Richie Porte.
Spain's two-time runner-up Alberto Contador finished over a minute behind while 2011 champion Cadel Evans was even further behind at the end of an epic eighth stage.
