Dutch sprinter Mike Teunissen claims opening stage of Tour de France in Brussels; Jakob Fuglsang crashes

BRUSSELS (AP) — Mike Teunissen claimed the first yellow jersey of this year's Tour de France with a sprint victory in Saturday's opening stage, which was marked by Jakob Fuglsang's crash.

The Dutch sprinter edged former world champion Peter Sagan and Caleb Ewan on the finish line in Brussels.

Fuglsang, who is rated among the favorites this year, hit the tarmac about 20 kilometers from the finish. The Astana team leader got back on his bike with blood on his face and right knee, and scratches on his jersey. He managed to reach the finish without losing time.

The race started from the Belgian capital to honor the 50th anniversary of cycling great Eddy Merckx's first of five Tour victories.