:2011 Tour de France

{{main list|List of teams and cyclists in the 2011 Tour de France}}

File:Le Signe du Triomphe, Puy du Fou (9728757620).jpg at the Puy du Fou theme park hosted the team presentation ceremony on 30 June.]]

Twenty-two teams participated in the 2011 edition of the Tour de France.{{cite web|title=Tour de France 2011 – Teams and riders|url=http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/LIVE/us/equipes_presentation.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110801084836/http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/LIVE/us/equipes_presentation.html|archive-date=1 August 2011|access-date=4 April 2020|url-status=dead|work=Tour de France|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation}} The race was the 17th of the 27 events in the UCI World Tour,{{cite news|last=Wynn|first=Nigel|title=2011 UCI World Calendar|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/2011-uci-world-calendar-56463|access-date=16 October 2016|work=Cycling Weekly|date=7 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729192838/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/2011-uci-world-calendar-56463|archive-date=29 July 2016|url-status=live}} and all of its eighteen UCI ProTeams were entitled, and obliged, to enter the race.{{sfn|UCI cycling regulations|2011|pp=107–108}} On 19 January 2011, the organiser of the Tour, Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), announced the four second-tier UCI Professional Continental teams given wildcard invitations, all of which were French-based. One team, the Spanish-based {{UCI team code|GEO|2011}}, which included the third-placed rider in the 2010 Tour, Denis Menchov, and the 2008 Tour winner, Carlos Sastre, was overlooked.{{cite news|last=Farrand|first=Stephen|title=Prudhomme justifies Tour de France team selections|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/prudhomme-justifies-tour-de-france-team-selections/|access-date=16 October 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=20 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019093637/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/prudhomme-justifies-tour-de-france-team-selections/|archive-date=19 October 2016|url-status=live}} The presentation of the teams – where the members of each team's roster are introduced in front of the media and local dignitaries – took place in front of audience of 7,000 inside the Roman amphitheatre at the Puy du Fou theme park in Les Epesses, Vendée, on 30 June, two days before the opening stage.{{cite news|title=Tour de France teams presented, Contador booed|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-teams-presented-contador-booed-50690|access-date=16 October 2016|work=Cycling Weekly|date=1 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018221827/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/tour-de-france-teams-presented-contador-booed-50690|archive-date=18 October 2016|url-status=live}}

Each squad was allowed a maximum of nine riders, resulting in a start list total of 198 riders.{{cite web|title=Tour de France 2011 – Riders list|url=http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/RIDERS/us/partants.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110801101449/http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/RIDERS/us/partants.html|archive-date=1 August 2011 |access-date=4 April 2020|url-status=dead|work=Tour de France|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation}} Of these, 49 were riding the Tour de France for the first time.{{cite web|title=Tour de France 2011 – Debutants|url=http://www.procyclingstats.com/race.php?id=110703&c=3&stat_id=146|website=ProCyclingStats|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018232652/http://www.procyclingstats.com/race.php?id=110703&c=3&stat_id=150|archive-date=18 October 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=16 October 2016}} The riders came from 30 countries; France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands and United States all had 12 or more riders in the race.{{cite web|title=Tour de France 2011 – Statistics|url=http://www.procyclingstats.com/race/Tour_de_France_2011-statistics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925060608/http://www.procyclingstats.com/race/Tour_de_France_2011-statistics|archive-date=25 September 2015|website=ProCyclingStats|access-date=16 October 2016|url-status=dead}} Riders from ten countries won stages during the race; British riders won the largest number of stages, with five.{{cite web|title=The history of the Tour de France – Year 2011 – The stage winners|url=http://www.letour.fr/HISTO/us/TDF/2011/vainqueurs.html|access-date=16 October 2016|work=Tour de France|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902063904/http://www.letour.fr/HISTO/us/TDF/2011/vainqueurs.html|archive-date=2 September 2016|url-status=dead}} The average age of riders in the race was 29.38 years, ranging from the 21-year-old Anthony Delaplace ({{UCI team code|SAU|2011}}) to the 39-year-old Jens Voigt ({{UCI team code|LEO|2011}}). Of the total average ages, {{UCI team code|FDJ|2011}} was the youngest team and {{UCI team code|RSH|2011}} the oldest.{{cite web|title=Tour de France 2012 – Average age|url=http://www.procyclingstats.com/race.php?id=110703&c=3&stat_id=150|website=ProCyclingStats|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018232121/http://www.procyclingstats.com/race.php?id=110703&c=3&stat_id=146|archive-date=18 October 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=16 October 2016}}

The teams entering the race were:

UCI ProTeams

{{div col|colwidth=20em|style=margin-right:20%;}}

• {{UCI team code|ALM|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|AST|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|BMC|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|EUS|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|GRM|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|THR|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|KAT|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|LAM|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|LEO|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|LIQ|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|MOV|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|OLO|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|QST|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|RAB|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|RSH|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|SBS|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|SKY|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|VAC|2011}}

{{div col end}}

UCI Professional Continental teams

{{div col|colwidth=20em|style=margin-right:20%;}}

• {{UCI team code|COF|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|EUC|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|FDJ|2011}}
• {{UCI team code|SAU|2011}}

{{div col end}}

File:Alberto Contador Giro.jpg's now-disqualified Giro d'Italia victory made him the leading contender for the Tour's general classification.]]

In the lead-up to the Tour, Alberto Contador ({{UCI team code|SAX|2011|nolink=yes}}), winner of the 2007 and 2009 Tours, was widely considered as the top pre-race favourite for the general classification. His closest rivals were thought to be Andy Schleck ({{UCI team code|LEO|2011|nolink=yes}}) and Cadel Evans ({{UCI team code|BMC|2011|nolink=yes}}). The other riders considered contenders for the general classification were Bradley Wiggins ({{UCI team code|SKY|2011|nolink=yes}}), Ivan Basso ({{UCI team code|LIQ|2011|nolink=yes}}), Robert Gesink ({{UCI team code|RAB|2011|nolink=yes}}), Samuel Sánchez ({{UCI team code|EUS|2011|nolink=yes}}), Chris Horner ({{UCI team code|RSH|2011|nolink=yes}}), Fränk Schleck ({{UCI team code|LEO|2011|nolink=yes}}) and Jurgen Van den Broeck ({{UCI team code|OLO|2011|nolink=yes}}).{{cite news|last=Ryan|first=Barry|title=Tour de France 2011: the top 10 contenders|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/tour-de-france-2011-the-top-10-contenders/|access-date=11 November 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=28 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112090848/http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/tour-de-france-2011-the-top-10-contenders/|archive-date=12 November 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Sumner|first=Jason|title=2011 Tour de France Preview: Top five riders to watch|url=http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/06/news/2011-tour-de-france-preview-top-five-riders-to-watch_179751|access-date=11 November 2016|work=VeloNews|date=22 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112083446/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/06/news/2011-tour-de-france-preview-top-five-riders-to-watch_179751|archive-date=12 November 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Tour de France: Top 10 contenders (part one)|url=https://roadcyclinguk.com/news/racing-news/tour-de-france-top-10-contenders-part-one.html|access-date=11 November 2016|work=Road Cycling UK|publisher=Mpora|date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112080721/https://roadcyclinguk.com/news/racing-news/tour-de-france-top-10-contenders-part-one.html|archive-date=12 November 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Tour de France: Top 10 contenders (part two)|url=https://roadcyclinguk.com/news/racing-news/tour-de-france-top-10-contenders-part-two.html|access-date=11 November 2016|work=Road Cycling UK|publisher=Mpora|date=4 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112080530/https://roadcyclinguk.com/news/racing-news/tour-de-france-top-10-contenders-part-two.html|archive-date=12 November 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Tour de France 2011: Riders to Watch|url=http://www.bicycling.com/2011-tour-de-france/tour-de-france-2011-riders-to-watch|access-date=11 November 2016|work=Bicycling|publisher=Rodale, Inc.|date=20 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112143145/http://www.bicycling.com/2011-tour-de-france/tour-de-france-2011-riders-to-watch|archive-date=12 November 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Petrequin|first=Samuel|title=A look at 2011 Tour de France contenders|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/cycling/2011-06-24-80246819_x.htm|access-date=11 November 2016|work=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=24 June 2011}}

In September 2010, Contador announced that he had tested positive for the banned clenbuterol from a sample taken during his now-disqualified 2010 Tour victory.{{cite news|title=Alberto Contador tests positive for clenbuterol|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/alberto-contador-tests-positive-for-clenbuterol/|access-date=11 November 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=29 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112103003/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/alberto-contador-tests-positive-for-clenbuterol/|archive-date=12 November 2016|url-status=live}} He was suspended from racing during an investigation until February 2011. When cleared to race he competed in and won the general classifications of the Vuelta a Murcia, Volta a Catalunya and Giro d'Italia before the Tour.{{cite news|last=Fotheringham|first=William|author-link=William Fotheringham|title=Alberto Contador ban clears Olympic and Tour path for Bradley Wiggins|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/feb/06/alberto-contador-doping-ban-bradley-wiggins|access-date=19 October 2016|work=The Guardian|date=6 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019225030/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/feb/06/alberto-contador-doping-ban-bradley-wiggins|archive-date=19 October 2016|url-status=live}} With overall victory in the Tour he was aiming to complete the Giro-Tour double, last achieved by Marco Pantani in the 1998 Tour. Schleck had placed second to Contador in the previous two Tours and won the young rider classification in the previous three. In the lead up to the Tour his best results were third in the one-day race Liège–Bastogne–Liège and the mountains classification of the Tour de Suisse.{{cite web|title=Andy Schleck|url=http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/Andy_Schleck|website=ProCyclingStats|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718151514/http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/Andy_Schleck|archive-date=18 July 2017|url-status=live|access-date=11 November 2016}} Evans, podium finisher in the 2007 and 2008 Tours, had a successful season before the Tour, winning the general classifications of both the Tour de Romandie and Tirreno–Adriatico, as well as second place in the Critérium du Dauphiné.

The sprinters named as the "riders to watch" by Bicycling magazine and possible contenders for the points classification and wins on the flat or hilly bunch sprint finishes were Mark Cavendish ({{UCI team code|THR|2011|nolink=yes}}), Philippe Gilbert ({{UCI team code|OLO|2011|nolink=yes}}) and {{UCI team code|GRM|2011|nolink=yes}} riders Tyler Farrar and Thor Hushovd. Former winners of the points classification and notable sprinters included in the startlist were the defending champion, Alessandro Petacchi ({{UCI team code|LAM|2011|nolink=yes}}), and the winner in 2007, Tom Boonen ({{UCI team code|QST|2011|nolink=yes}}).{{cite web|url=http://www.procyclingstats.com/race.php?id=163736&c=5&bucket=points|title=Tour de France – Points classification|publisher=ProCyclingStats|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113034505/http://www.procyclingstats.com/race.php?id=163736&c=5&bucket=points|archive-date=13 January 2017|url-status=live|access-date=10 January 2017}} The points classification winner of the 2002, 2004 and 2006 Tours, 39-year-old Robbie McEwen, was not selected by his team for the race, {{UCI team code|RSH|2011|nolink=yes}}.{{cite news|last=Kogoy|first=Peter|title=Robbie McEwen overlooked in Johan Bruyneel's RadioShack squad for the 2011 Tour de France|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/more-sports/cycling/robbie-mcewen-denied-the-chance-at-this-years-tour-de-francedenied-the-chance-to-add-a-fourth-green-jersey-to-his-wardrobe/news-story/7b476926911b063ba5a1b77eebbf9c09|access-date=23 December 2016|work=Fox Sports News|publisher=Fox Sports Pty Limited|date=22 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830235439/https://www.foxsports.com.au/more-sports/cycling/robbie-mcewen-denied-the-chance-at-this-years-tour-de-francedenied-the-chance-to-add-a-fourth-green-jersey-to-his-wardrobe/news-story/7b476926911b063ba5a1b77eebbf9c09|archive-date=30 August 2017|url-status=live}} Óscar Freire of {{UCI team code|RAB|2011|nolink=yes}} was another former winner (2008) left out of his team's Tour squad.{{cite news|title=No Tour de France for Freire in 2011|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/no-tour-de-france-for-freire-in-2011/|access-date=23 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=12 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118045044/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/no-tour-de-france-for-freire-in-2011/|archive-date=18 January 2017|url-status=live}}

Cavendish was runner-up in the 2010 Tour's points classification and had won 15 stages in the three previous Tours; he had won a stage at the Tour of Oman, the one-day race Scheldeprijs and two stages at the Giro during the 2011 season prior to the Tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider.php?id=140768&season=2011|title=Mark Cavendish – 2011|publisher=ProCyclingStats|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629093854/http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider.php?id=140768&season=2011|archive-date=29 June 2016|url-status=live|access-date=10 January 2017}} Gilbert had amassed a total of eleven wins (not including the national championships) for the season before the Tour, including three spring classics: Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Amstel Gold Race and La Flèche Wallonne.{{cite web|url=http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider.php?id=140855&season=2011|title=Philippe Gilbert – 2011|publisher=ProCyclingStats|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113003825/http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider.php?id=140855&season=2011|archive-date=13 January 2017|url-status=live|access-date=10 January 2017}} Farrar's form in the lead-up to the Tour included a stage win in both Tirreno–Adriatico and the Ster ZLM Toer.{{cite web|url=http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider.php?id=140758&season=2011|title=Tyler Farrar – 2011|publisher=ProCyclingStats|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621201356/http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider.php?id=140758&season=2011|archive-date=21 June 2017|url-status=live|access-date=10 January 2017}} Hushovd, the world road race champion, only had one win in the season before the Tour, a stage of the Tour de Suisse.{{cite web|url=http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider.php?id=140370&season=2011|title=Thor Hushovd – 2011|publisher=ProCyclingStats|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113030054/http://www.procyclingstats.com/rider.php?id=140370&season=2011|archive-date=13 January 2017|url-status=live|access-date=10 January 2017}} Petacchi's best results prior the Tour were a trio of stages in the Giro, the Volta a Catalunya and the Tour of Turkey.{{cite news|title=Petacchi struggling to repeat last year's Tour success|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/petacchi-struggling-to-repeat-last-years-tour-success-50337|access-date=10 January 2017|work=Cycling Weekly|date=10 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112180100/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/petacchi-struggling-to-repeat-last-years-tour-success-50337|archive-date=12 January 2017|url-status=live}} The major victory of Boonen's season up to the Tour was the Gent–Wevelgem one-day race.{{cite news|last=Hood|first=Andrew|title=Tom Boonen aims for return to glory at Tour de France|url=http://www.velonews.com/2011/06/news/tom-boonen-aims-for-return-to-glory-at-tour-de-france_180012|access-date=10 January 2017|work=VeloNews|date=24 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113054415/http://www.velonews.com/2011/06/news/tom-boonen-aims-for-return-to-glory-at-tour-de-france_180012|archive-date=13 January 2017|url-status=live}}

File:Col du Galibier 3 (cropped).jpg in the Alps was climbed twice to celebrate the centenary of the introduction of the mountain range into the Tour.]]

On 26 January 2010, the race director, Christian Prudhomme, announced that the department of Vendée would host the 2011 edition's opening stage (known as the Grand Départ). It was the fifth time Vendée had hosted the Grand Départ, which consisted of two stages.{{cite news|title=Tour de France ditches prologue for 2011|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/7078706/Tour-de-France-ditches-prologue-for-2011.html|access-date=30 October 2016|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=26 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104010534/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/7078706/Tour-de-France-ditches-prologue-for-2011.html|archive-date=4 November 2016|url-status=live}} The entire route was announced by the ASO on 19 October 2010 at the official presentation at the Palais des Congrès in Paris. The route was thought to suit climbing specialists, with Prudhomme saying "We wanted a balanced route. We tried to keep the suspense for the Alps but also to have a big battle as early as the Pyrenees,".{{cite news|title=2011 Tour route to suit climbers|url=http://www.eurosport.co.uk/cycling/tour-de-france/2010/2011-route-suits-climbers_sto2510048/story.shtml|access-date=30 October 2016|work=Eurosport|publisher=Discovery Communications|agency=Reuters|date=19 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104030327/http://www.eurosport.co.uk/cycling/tour-de-france/2010/2011-route-suits-climbers_sto2510048/story.shtml|archive-date=4 November 2016|url-status=live}} To celebrate the centenary of the introduction of the Alps into the Tour it featured two of its most famous climbs, the Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez, with the Galibier climbed twice.{{cite news|last=Kröner|first=Hedwig|title=2011 Tour de France route announced|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/2011-tour-de-france-route-announced/|access-date=30 October 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=19 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312082444/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/2011-tour-de-france-route-announced/|archive-date=12 March 2016|url-status=live}}

The first of the two stages held in Vendée started in Passage du Gois and finished in Mont des Alouettes, whilst stage two was held in Les Essarts. The Tour left Vendée in Olonne-sur-Mer and headed north to Redon for the finish of the third stage. The following two stages took place in the region of Brittany. Stage six left the region to the finish in Lisieux. Stages seven and eight took the race through the middle of the country from Le Mans to the Super Besse resort in the elevated region Massif Central, which hosted stage nine. The following two stages headed south through the lower slopes, and stage twelve took the race into the Pyrenees. The mountain range hosted the next two stages. The fifteenth stage took place between Limoux and Montpellier. Stage sixteen took the route into the Alps. The next two stages took the race into Italy, with Pinerolo hosting between them. Stage nineteen was the last in the Alps, before the twentieth, which was held in the foothills around Grenoble. A long transfer took the Tour to its conclusion in Paris with the Champs-Élysées stage.

There were 21 stages in the race, covering a total distance of {{convert|3430.5|km|0|abbr=on}}, {{convert|212|km|1|abbr=on}} shorter than the 2010 Tour.{{cite web|title=The history of the Tour de France – 2010 Tour|url=http://www.letour.com/HISTO/us/TDF/2010/index.html|work=Tour de France|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|access-date=30 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010004736/http://www.letour.com/HISTO/us/TDF/2010/index.html|archive-date=10 October 2016|url-status=dead}} For only the second time since the 1967 Tour, the race started with a mass-start stage instead of a prologue (an individual time trial under {{convert|8|km|0|abbr=on}}), the last occasion being in 2008.{{cite news|last=Wilcockson|first=John|author-link=John Wilcockson|title=Tour de France – Blazin' Saddles: 2011 Prologue logged|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/27012010/58/tour-de-france-blazin-saddles-2011-prologue-logged.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811013506/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/27012010/58/tour-de-france-blazin-saddles-2011-prologue-logged.html|archive-date=11 August 2011|access-date=8 November 2016|url-status=dead|work=Yahoo! Eurosport|date=27 January 2010}}{{sfn|Liggett|Raia|Lewis|2005|p=21}} The longest mass-start stage was the seventh at {{convert|218|km|0|abbr=on}}, and stage 21 was the shortest at {{convert|95|km|0|abbr=on}}. The race featured only {{convert|65.5|km|1|abbr=on}} of time trialling, with stage two's team time trial and stage twenty's individual time trial. Of the remaining stages, ten were officially classified as flat, three as medium mountain and six as high mountain. There were four summit finishes: stage 12, to Luz Ardiden; stage 14, to Plateau de Beille; stage 18, to Col du Galibier; and stage 19, to Alpe d'Huez.{{cite web|title=Tour de France 2011 – The Tour summits|url=http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/COURSE/us/les_sommets_du_tour.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805111647/http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/COURSE/us/les_sommets_du_tour.html|archive-date=5 August 2011|access-date=16 October 2016|url-status=dead|work=Tour de France|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation}} It was the first time a stage had finished on the {{convert|2645|m|adj=on}}-high Galibier. It was the highest summit finish in Tour history,{{cite web|title=The Galibier 1911–2011|url=http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/COURSE/us/le_galibier.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720075914/http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/COURSE/us/le_galibier.html|archive-date=20 July 2011|access-date=8 November 2016|url-status=dead|work=Tour de France|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation}} beating the finish of the {{convert|2413|m}}-high Col du Granon during the 1986 Tour.{{cite news|last=Wilcockson|first=John|title=Inside the Tour with John Wilcockson: Evans to follow in the wheelmarks of Coppi and LeMond?|url=http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/07/news/inside-the-tour-with-john-wilcockson-evans-to-follow-in-the-wheelmarks-of-coppi-and-lemond_185237|access-date=8 November 2016|work=VeloNews|date=21 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108140230/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/07/news/inside-the-tour-with-john-wilcockson-evans-to-follow-in-the-wheelmarks-of-coppi-and-lemond_185237|archive-date=8 November 2016|url-status=live}} The highest point of elevation in the race was the {{convert|2744|m|ft|abbr=on}}-high Col Agnel mountain pass on stage 18.{{cite news|title=Tour de France: interactive guide|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/tour-de-france/8611794/Tour-de-France-interactive-guide.html|access-date=23 October 2017|work=The Daily Telegraph|year=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023115922/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/tour-de-france/8611794/Tour-de-France-interactive-guide.html|archive-date=23 October 2017|url-status=dead}} It was among nine hors catégorie (English: beyond category) rated climbs in the race. There were fifteen new stage start or finish locations. The rest days were after stage 9, at the Le Lioran mountain resort, and after 15, in the department of Drôme.

{{Main|2011 Tour de France, Stage 1 to Stage 11|2011 Tour de France, Stage 12 to Stage 21}}

File:Etape 8 du Tour de France 2011 Thor Hushovd.jpg (pictured in stage eight) wore the race leader's yellow jersey after his team's win in stage two's team time trial until the end of stage eight.]]

The opening stage's uphill finish of Mont des Alouettes was won by Philippe Gilbert, who took the first yellow jersey as leader of the general classification. He also led the points and mountains classifications.{{cite news|last=Moore|first=Richard|author-link=Richard Moore (journalist)|title=Gilbert conquers Mont des Alouettes|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-1/results|access-date=8 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=2 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108200244/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-1/results/|archive-date=8 November 2016|url-status=live}} {{UCI team code|GRM|2011|nolink=yes}} were the fastest in the {{convert|23.0|km|0|abbr=on}} team time trial on the second stage, four seconds ahead of second-placed {{UCI team code|BMC|2011|nolink=yes}}. This put Garmin's Thor Hushovd, who was third in stage one, into the yellow jersey.{{cite news|last=Clarke|first=Les|title=Garmin–Cervélo wins team time trial|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-2/results|access-date=8 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=3 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109172349/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-2/results/|archive-date=9 January 2017|url-status=live}} Tyler Farrar won the third stage from a bunch finish. José Joaquín Rojas of {{UCI team code|MOV|2011|nolink=yes}}, third on the stage, took points classification's green jersey.{{cite news|title=Farrar first on the Fourth, wins stage 3 of the 2011 Tour de France|url=http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/07/news/tyler-farrar-wins-stage-3-of-the-2011-tour-de-france_181597|access-date=8 December 2016|work=VeloNews|date=4 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816230912/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/07/news/tyler-farrar-wins-stage-3-of-the-2011-tour-de-france_181597|archive-date=16 August 2016|url-status=live}} The following day, a five-rider breakaway group had led the stage after {{convert|9|km|0|abbr=on}}, before the peloton caught on them at the foot of the Mûr-de-Bretagne climb. After a series of attacks, a group of nine riders moved clear, and Cadel Evans won the subsequent sprint finish. Evans took the polka dot jersey as leader of the mountains classification.{{cite news|title=Evans edges out Contador on the Mur-de-Bretagne|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/evans-edges-out-contador-on-the-mur-de-bretagne-50516|access-date=8 December 2016|work=Cycling Weekly|date=5 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220204516/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/evans-edges-out-contador-on-the-mur-de-bretagne-50516|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}} Mark Cavendish won stage five from a bunch sprint, with second-placed Gilbert taking the green jersey.{{cite news|last=Clarke|first=Les|title=Cavendish gets his win the hard way|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-5/results/|access-date=8 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=6 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113131328/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-5/results/|archive-date=13 November 2016|url-status=live}} The sixth stage was won by {{UCI team code|SKY|2011|nolink=yes}}'s Edvald Boasson Hagen, who won the hilly bunch sprint in Lisieux. Johnny Hoogerland ({{UCI team code|VCD|2011|nolink=yes}}) took the polka dot jersey.{{cite news|last=Fotheringham|first=William|author-link=William Fotheringham|title=Edvald Boasson Hagen wins Tour de France's stage six for Team Sky|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/07/tour-de-france-team-sky|access-date=8 December 2016|work=The Guardian|date=7 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221052805/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/07/tour-de-france-team-sky|archive-date=21 December 2016|url-status=live}}

Cavendish won the stage seven's bunch sprint finish. Rojas regained the green jersey.{{cite news|title=Cavendish wins but Wiggins crashes out of the Tour|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/cavendish-wins-but-wiggins-crashes-out-of-the-tour-50375|access-date=8 December 2016|work=Cycling Weekly|date=8 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220202930/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/cavendish-wins-but-wiggins-crashes-out-of-the-tour-50375|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}} A crash around {{convert|40|km|0|abbr=on}} from the end of the stage forced general classification contender Bradley Wiggins out of the race with a clavicle fracture. Another overall contender involved in the crash was Chris Horner; he finished the stage, but did not start stage eight due to concussion, a nasal fracture and a hematoma to his calf.{{cite news|last=Hood|first=Andrew|title=Horner abandons Tour; team defends decision to let him finish stage|url=http://www.velonews.com/2011/07/news/horner-abandons-tour-team-defends-decision-to-let-him-finish-stage_182840|access-date=11 December 2016|work=VeloNews|date=9 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220130744/http://www.velonews.com/2011/07/news/horner-abandons-tour-team-defends-decision-to-let-him-finish-stage_182840|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}} The eighth stage was the first at altitude, and saw the breakaway's only survivor, Rui Costa ({{UCI team code|MOV|2011|nolink=yes}}), win atop Super Besse, with a twelve-second margin. Gilbert led the points classification and Tejay van Garderen ({{UCI team code|BMC|2011|nolink=yes}}) the mountains classification.{{cite news|title=Costa wins first mountain stage of the Tour de France|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/costa-wins-first-mountain-stage-of-the-tour-de-france-50344|access-date=8 December 2016|work=Cycling Weekly|date=9 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220204514/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/costa-wins-first-mountain-stage-of-the-tour-de-france-50344|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}} In the ninth stage, there was controversy when Nicki Sørensen of {{UCI team code|SBS|2011|nolink=yes}} was struck by a motorbike carrying a photographer, and Hoogerland and Juan Antonio Flecha ({{UCI team code|SKY|2011|nolink=yes}}) were injured after an incident with a television car. Prior to the crash, both riders had formed a five-rider breakaway; the remaining three held on to finish in front of the chasing peloton. Luis León Sánchez ({{UCI team code|RAB|2011|nolink=yes}}) won the stage, with second-placed Thomas Voeckler ({{UCI team code|EUC|2011|nolink=yes}}) gaining the overall race lead. Jurgen Van den Broeck, a general classification contender, left the race due to a clavicle fracture caused by a crash. Hoogerland took back the polka.{{cite news|last=Cossins|first=Peter|title=Luis León Sánchez wins crash-hit stage|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-9/results|access-date=8 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=10 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109172537/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-9/results/|archive-date=9 January 2017|url-status=live}} The next day was the first rest day of the Tour. Stages ten and eleven ended with a bunch sprints, with the victors André Greipel and Cavendish, respectively. The latter took the lead of the points classification.{{cite news|title=Greipel denies Cavendish, wins stage 10 of the 2011 Tour de France|url=http://www.velonews.com/2011/07/news/greipel-denied-cavendish-to-win-stage-10-of-the-2011-tour-de-france_183419|access-date=8 December 2016|work=VeloNews|date=12 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220103604/http://www.velonews.com/2011/07/news/greipel-denied-cavendish-to-win-stage-10-of-the-2011-tour-de-france_183419|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Cavendish surges to stage 11 win|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/14141478|access-date=8 December 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702152259/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/14141478|archive-date=2 July 2016|url-status=live}}

File:Mark Cavendish, Stage 11, 2011 Tour de France.jpg of the {{UCI team code|THR|2011}} team setting up Mark Cavendish (green jersey) to take victory in stage 11's bunch sprint finish, the third of Cavendish's five stage wins]]

Stage twelve was the first to enter the high mountains, and included two climbs that were rated hors catégorie, the La Hourquette d'Ancizan and the climb to the finish at Luz Ardiden. An early breakaway of six riders were caught and passed in the final {{convert|8|km|0|abbr=on}} by Jelle Vanendert ({{UCI team code|OLO|2011|nolink=yes}}) and Samuel Sánchez). They held off the chasing group that included the main general classification contenders and a late attack by Fränk Schleck, with Samuel Sánchez crossing the finish line first. Of the general classification favourites, Contador lost the most time in the stage, 33 seconds down on third-placed Fränk Schleck (the highest placed overall contender). The mountains classification points Samuel Sánchez received at the summit finish put him in the polka dot jersey.{{cite news|last=Westemeyer|first=Susan|title=Sanchez prevails on Luz-Ardiden|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-12/results/|access-date=8 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=14 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110152416/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-12/results/|archive-date=10 January 2017|url-status=live}} In the thirteenth stage, a three-rider breakaway went clear over the hors catégorie-rated Col d'Aubisque, and after the long descent to Lourdes, they finished with a margin of five minutes; Hushovd took the stage win. Jérémy Roy ({{UCI team code|FDJ|2011|nolink=yes}}), who was one of the three, took the polka.{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Richard|title=Garmin's Thor Hushovd wins stage 13 in Lourdes|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/15/tour-de-france-stage-13|access-date=8 December 2016|work=The Guardian|date=15 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221053405/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/15/tour-de-france-stage-13|archive-date=21 December 2016|url-status=live}} The fourteenth stage was last in the Pyrenees and it included six categorised climbs. As the race reached the hors catégorie climb to Plateau de Beille and the finish, the main group of overall favourites took control, and with {{convert|6|km|0|abbr=on}} to go, Vanendert attacked and won with a margin of 21 seconds. His win put Vanendert in the polka.{{cite news|title=Jelle Vanendert wins stage 14 of the 2011 Tour de France; Thomas Voeckler defends lead|url=http://www.velonews.com/2011/07/news/jelle-vandendert-wins-stage-14-of-the-2011-tour-de-france-as-thomas-voeckler-defends-yellow-jersey_184309|access-date=8 December 2016|work=VeloNews|date=16 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220103146/http://www.velonews.com/2011/07/news/jelle-vandendert-wins-stage-14-of-the-2011-tour-de-france-as-thomas-voeckler-defends-yellow-jersey_184309|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}}

The transitional stage fifteen that moved the race east to the Alps was won by Cavendish from a bunch sprint.{{cite news|title=Mark Cavendish wins stage 15 of the 2011 Tour de France|url=http://www.velonews.com/2011/07/news/mark-cavendish-wins-stage-15-of-the-2011-tour-de-france_184508|access-date=8 December 2016|work=VeloNews|date=17 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220104119/http://www.velonews.com/2011/07/news/mark-cavendish-wins-stage-15-of-the-2011-tour-de-france_184508|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}} The next day was the second rest day. Hushovd won his second stage of the Tour with the sixteenth; he formed part of the three-rider breakaway that escaped with {{convert|60|km|0|abbr=on}} to go. On the descent of the final climb – the Col de Manse – Evans attacked and at the finish had gained time on his rivals, displacing Fränk Schleck and moving up one place to second overall.{{cite news|last=Clarke|first=Les|title=Hushovd smashes breakaway for second stage win|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-16/results|access-date=8 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=19 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110075602/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-16/results/|archive-date=10 January 2017|url-status=live}}

Another descent to the finish followed in stage sixteen, and again the winner came from a breakaway. Boasson Hagen was the victor, improving on his second place the previous day. Overall race leader Voeckler lost 27 seconds to his rivals after he went wide on two of the final descent's corners.{{cite news|title=Boasson Hagen makes it two for Sky as Voeckler loses more time|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/boasson-hagen-makes-it-two-for-sky-as-voeckler-loses-more-time-50005|access-date=8 December 2016|work=Cycling Weekly|date=20 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220202829/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/boasson-hagen-makes-it-two-for-sky-as-voeckler-loses-more-time-50005|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}} The Tour's queen stage,{{cite news|last=Kröner|first=Hedwig|title=Cavendish loses 20 points on Tour de France queen stage|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cavendish-loses-20-points-on-tour-de-france-queen-stage/|access-date=10 April 2017|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=21 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009041858/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cavendish-loses-20-points-on-tour-de-france-queen-stage/|archive-date=9 October 2016|url-status=live}} the eighteenth, included three hors catégorie climbs, including the Col du Galibier summit finish. With {{convert|60|km|0|abbr=on}} to go, Andy Schleck launched a solo attack on the second climb, the Col d'Izoard. He went on to bridge across and pass a large breakaway, before claiming the stage win; he moved up to second overall, gaining over two minutes on his rivals. Voeckler's lead in the yellow jersey was reduced to fifteen seconds.{{cite news|last=Westemeyer|first=Susan|title=Schleck's mountain raid nets stage win|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-18/results|access-date=8 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=21 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161108195814/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-18/results/|archive-date=8 November 2016|url-status=live}} The autobus (the large group behind the leading peloton) of 88 riders finished outside the time limit, 35 min 50 s after Schleck; all riders were allowed to stay in the race due to the large number. The points classification leader, Cavendish, who was in the group, was docked 20 points.

{{multiple image

| total_width = 300

| image1 = Andy Schleck en jaune (5978230772) (cropped).jpg

| image2 = Cadel Evans (5978229744) (cropped).jpg

| footer = Andy Schleck (left) led the general classification going into the penultimate stage's individual time trial, but Cadel Evans's (right) performance in the stage moved him from third position to first.

}}

The race for the general classification began from the start of the nineteenth stage, the Tour's final mountain stage, with Voeckler, the Schleck brothers and Evans all in a second breakaway. Andy Schleck was then part of a group that crossed the second of the stage's three large climbs, the Galibier, in pursuit of the leading group. The head of the race came together on the long descent to foot of the climb and the finish at Alpe d'Huez, with the exception of Ryder Hesjedal ({{UCI team code|GRM|2011|nolink=yes}}) and Pierre Rolland ({{UCI team code|EUC|2011|nolink=yes}}), who had a 47-second lead. The latter won the stage, counter-attacking a solo move by Contador. Voeckler lost the lead of the general classification, dropping to fourth overall, behind the Schleck brothers and Evans, who all came in with an elite group a minute after the winner. The top three positions of the general classification were Andy Schleck, Fränk Schleck (53 seconds down) and Evans (57 seconds down). Samuel Sánchez, second in the stage, took the lead of the mountains classification.{{cite news|last=Cossins|first=Peter|title=Rolland wins on the Alpe d'Huez at end of epic stage|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-19/results|access-date=8 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=22 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117004435/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-19/results/|archive-date=17 November 2016|url-status=live}} The penultimate stage, the {{convert|42.5|km|0|abbr=on}} individual time trial in Grenoble, was decisive in the outcome of the general classification, with Evans placing second and beating Andy Schleck by two and a half minutes to lead the Tour. Tony Martin of {{UCI team code|THR|2011|nolink=yes}} won the stage, seven seconds ahead of Evans.{{cite news|last=Clarke|first=Les|title=Evans conquers all with picture perfect time trial|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-20/results|access-date=8 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=23 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110075617/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-20/results/|archive-date=10 January 2017|url-status=live}}

In the final stage, Cavendish secured a record third successive victory on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, his fifth stage win of the 2011 Tour. Evans finished the race to become the first Australian rider to win the Tour de France, and at 34, the oldest post-World War II winner.{{cite news|last=Farrand|first=Stephen|title=Evans becomes the pride of Australia with Tour de France win|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/evans-becomes-the-pride-of-australia-with-tour-de-france-win/|access-date=11 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=24 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224144850/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/evans-becomes-the-pride-of-australia-with-tour-de-france-win/|archive-date=24 December 2016|url-status=live}} The Schleck brothers placed second and third, Andy 1 min 34 s down and Fränk 2 min 30 s down.{{cite news|last=Ryan|first=Barry|title=Cadel Evans wins 2011 Tour de France|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-21/results/|access-date=16 October 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=24 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019091025/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-21/results/|archive-date=19 October 2016|url-status=live}} Cavendish won the points classification with a total of 334, 62 ahead of Rojas in second, becoming the first British rider to claim the green jersey.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/14266126|title=Mark Cavendish wins historic green jersey|date=24 July 2011|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160717140916/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/14266126|archive-date=17 July 2016|url-status=live}} The mountains classification was won by Samuel Sánchez, who had a win and two second places on the four mountain-top finishes. Andy Schleck finished second in that category, with Vanendert third. Rolland, tenth in the general classification, won the young rider classification, largely by virtue of positions he attained in supporting his team leader, Voeckler, during the time he held the yellow jersey.{{cite news|last=Kröner|first=Hedwig|title=Rolland takes white jersey to Paris|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rolland-takes-white-jersey-to-paris|access-date=8 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=23 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009103845/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rolland-takes-white-jersey-to-paris/|archive-date=9 October 2016|url-status=live}} {{UCI team code|GRM|2011|nolink=yes}} finished as the winners of the team classification, eleven minutes ahead of second-placed {{UCI team code|LEO|2011|nolink=yes}}. Of the 198 starters, 169 reached the finish of the last stage in Paris.

During the Tour's first rest day, it was announced that Alexandr Kolobnev's ({{UCI team code|KAT|2011|nolink=yes}}) urine sample taken after the fifth stage had tested positive for the diuretic medication hydrochlorothiazide. Although it was listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency as prohibited, cycling's governing body, Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), only released a statement advising his team "take the necessary steps to enable the Tour de France to continue in serenity...". He withdrew from the race immediately.{{cite news|last=Wynn|first=Nigel|title=Kolobnev tests {{sic|pos|tive|nolink=y}} at Tour de France|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/kolobnev-tests-postive-at-tour-de-france-50275|access-date=6 December 2016|work=Cycling Weekly|date=11 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220202921/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/kolobnev-tests-postive-at-tour-de-france-50275|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=live}} On 1 March 2012, CAS decided that Kolobnev would only receive a warning for this, and no suspension, because his use of the drug was justified by 'medical reasons unrelated to performance'.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/17221960|title=Alexandr Kolobnev escapes doping ban but fined £1,040|publisher=BBC Sport|date=1 March 2012|access-date=28 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309171208/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/17221960|archive-date=9 March 2012|url-status=live}}

On 6 February 2012, CAS removed Alberto Contador's results due to his positive test for clenbuterol at the 2010 Tour. The UCI subsequently revised the final general classification, with riders ranked between 6 and 21 upgraded, and the 21st position left unattributed. On 18 October 2012, the UCI announced that a disciplinary procedure against Carlos Barredo ({{UCI team code|RAB|2011|nolink=yes}}) was taken following anomalies in his biological passport.{{cite news|title=UCI request doping procedure against Carlos Barredo|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/uci-request-doping-procedure-against-carlos-barredo/|access-date=8 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=18 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223165316/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/uci-request-doping-procedure-against-carlos-barredo/|archive-date=23 December 2016|url-status=live}} He retired from cycling in December 2012.{{cite news|title=Barredo retires in light of biological passport violations case|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/barredo-retires-in-light-of-biological-passport-violations-case/|access-date=6 December 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=25 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604145342/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/barredo-retires-in-light-of-biological-passport-violations-case/|archive-date=4 June 2016|url-status=live}} In July 2014, his results were disqualified from races in which he participated between 26 October 2007 and 24 September 2011,{{cite web|url=http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTU3Mjg&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=Nzk5OTY&LangId=1 |title=UCI doping suspensions |publisher=Union Cycliste Internationale |date=14 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140715214800/http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTU3Mjg&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=Nzk5OTY&LangId=1 |archive-date=15 July 2014 }} with his 35th position on the 2011 Tour's general classification left vacant.

There were four main individual classifications contested in the 2011 Tour de France, as well as a team competition. The most important was the general classification, which was calculated by adding each rider's finishing times on each stage.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=38}} There were no time bonuses given at the end of stages for this edition of the Tour.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=40}} If a crash had happened within the final {{convert|3|km|1|abbr=on}} of a stage, not including time trials and summit finishes, the riders involved would have received the same time as the group they were in when the crash occurred.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=33}} The rider with the lowest cumulative time was the winner of the general classification and was considered the overall winner of the Tour.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=38}} The rider leading the classification wore a yellow jersey.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=30}}

The second classification was the points classification. Riders received points for finishing among the highest placed in a stage finish, or in intermediate sprints during the stage. The points available for each stage finish were determined by the stage's type.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|pp=38–39}} In the 2010 Tour, stages classified flat had three intermediate sprint points worth 6, 4, and 2 points to the first three riders across the line. For 2011, flat stages had just one intermediate sprint which was worth 20 points to the rider in first position, and the first 15 score points. The intention was to have riders needing to sprint twice during the day to score well. Points awarded at the finish of flat stages also increased, from 35 points for the winner to 45.{{cite web |url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/boonen-expects-more-tactical-tussle-for-tours-green-jersey |title=Boonen expects ore tactical tussle for Tour's green jersey |website=Cyclingnews.com|date=20 October 2010 |access-date=28 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101023002742/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/boonen-expects-more-tactical-tussle-for-tours-green-jersey |archive-date=23 October 2010 |url-status=live}} Medium mountain stages awarded 30 points to the winner, high mountain stages and the individual time trial gave 20 points.{{cite web|url=http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,21579_6999516,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316115143/http://www.teamsky.com/article/0%2C27290%2C21579_6999516%2C00.html |archive-date=16 March 2012 |title=The points classification explained |work=Team Sky |publisher=Sky plc |date=24 June 2011 |access-date=8 November 2016 |url-status=dead }} No points were awarded for the team time trial on stage two. The leader was identified by a green jersey.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=30}}

The third classification was the mountains classification. Points were awarded to the riders that reached the summit of the most difficult climbs first. The climbs were categorised as fourth-, third-, second-, first-category and hors catégorie, with the more difficult climbs rated lower.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=39}} In the 2010 Tour, any hors catégorie, first-, or second-category climb awarded double points if it was the last of the stage.{{cite news|last=Quénet|first=Jean-François|title=Charteau unimpressed by new 2011 polka-dot jersey points system|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/charteau-unimpressed-by-new-2011-polka-dot-jersey-points-system/|access-date=16 October 2016|website=Cyclingnews.com|date=19 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019095428/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/charteau-unimpressed-by-new-2011-polka-dot-jersey-points-system/|archive-date=19 October 2016|url-status=live}} In 2011, only the summit stage finishes awarded double points, specifically stages 12, 14, 18 and 19.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=39}} Pre-race analysis speculated that the winner would be more likely, under this system, to be a general classification contender than in years past.{{cite web |last=Ryan |first=Barry |url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/virenque-tips-sastre-for-mountains-jersey-at-2011-tour-de-france |title=Virenque tips Sastre for mountains jersey at 2011 Tour de France |website=Cyclingnews.com|date=19 October 2010 |access-date=28 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101022101454/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/virenque-tips-sastre-for-mountains-jersey-at-2011-tour-de-france |archive-date=22 October 2010 |url-status=live}} This speculation proved accurate, as Samuel Sánchez, who finished sixth in the general classification, won the mountains classification, and the top three finishers in the general classification were in the top five of the mountains classification. The leader wore a white jersey with red polka dots.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=30}}

The final individual classification was the young rider classification. This was calculated the same way as the general classification, but the classification was restricted to riders who were born on or after 1 January 1986.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=39}} The leader wore a white jersey.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=30}}

The final classification was a team classification. This was calculated using the finishing times of the best three riders per team on each stage, excluding the team time trial; the leading team was the team with the lowest cumulative time. The number of stage victories and placings per team determined the outcome of a tie.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|pp=39–40}} The riders in the team that lead this classification were identified with yellow number bibs on the back of their jerseys.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=31}}

In addition, there was a combativity award given after each stage to the rider considered, by a jury, to have "made the greatest effort and who has demonstrated the best qualities of sportsmanship".{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=40}} No combativity awards were given for the time trials and the final stage.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=24}} The winner wore a red number bib the following stage.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=31}} At the conclusion of the Tour, Jérémy Roy won the overall super-combativity award,{{cite news|title=Evans wins 2011 Tour de France overall as Cavendish clinches green jersey|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/evans-wins-2011-tour-de-france-overall-as-cavendish-clinches-green-jersey-49919|access-date=16 October 2016|work=Cycling Weekly|date=24 July 2011}} again, decided by a jury.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=40}}

A total of €3,412,546 was awarded in cash prizes in the race. The overall winner of the general classification received €450,000, with the second and third placed riders got €200,000 and €100,000 respectively. All finishers of the race were awarded with money. The holders of the classifications benefited on each stage they led; the final winners of the points and mountains were given €25,000, while the best young rider and most combative rider got €20,000. Team prizes were available, with €10,000 for the winner of team time trial and €50,000 for the winners of the team classification.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|pp=21–24}} There were also two special awards each with a prize of €5000,{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=24}} the Souvenir Henri Desgrange, given in honour of Tour founder Henri Desgrange to the first rider to pass the summit of the Col du Galibier in stage eighteen, and the Souvenir Jacques Goddet, given to the first rider to pass Goddet's memorial at the summit of the Col du Tourmalet in stage twelve.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|p=24}} Andy Schleck won the Henri Desgrange and Roy won the Jacques Goddet.{{cite news|last=Edward|first=Pickering|title=Stage 18 analysis: Andy Schleck lands a heavy blow|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/stage-18-analysis-andy-schleck-lands-a-heavy-blow-126384|access-date=15 October 2016|work=Cycling Weekly|date=14 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018220940/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/stage-18-analysis-andy-schleck-lands-a-heavy-blow-126384|archive-date=18 October 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Geraint Thomas: "I had goosebumps on the Tourmalet"|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/geraint-thomas-i-had-goosebumps-on-the-tourmalet-50172|access-date=15 October 2016|work=Cycling Weekly|date=21 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018210114/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/geraint-thomas-i-had-goosebumps-on-the-tourmalet-50172|archive-date=18 October 2016|url-status=live}}

• In stage two, Cadel Evans, who was second in the points classification, wore the green jersey, as Philippe Gilbert held the general classification as well as the points classification and the mountains classification. Thor Hushovd, who was third in both the general and points classifications, wore the polka dot jersey.{{cite web|title=The history of the Tour de France – Year 2011 – Stage 1 Passage du Gois > Mont des Alouettes|url=http://www.letour.fr/HISTO/us/TDF/2011/100/etape.html|access-date=16 October 2016|work=Tour de France|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902183348/http://www.letour.fr/HISTO/us/TDF/2011/100/etape.html|archive-date=2 September 2016|url-status=dead}}
• In stage three, as Philippe Gilbert held the points classification as well as the mountains classification, Cadel Evans, who was second on the only climb yielding points to that stage, wore the polka dot jersey.{{cite web|title=The history of the Tour de France – Year 2011 – Stage 2 Les Essarts > Les Essart|url=http://www.letour.fr/HISTO/us/TDF/2011/200/etape.html|access-date=16 October 2016|work=Tour de France|publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902183349/http://www.letour.fr/HISTO/us/TDF/2011/200/etape.html|archive-date=2 September 2016|url-status=dead}}
• After stage nine, both Juan Antonio Flecha and Johnny Hoogerland were awarded the red number bib for stage ten. They received the combativity award after stage nine for finishing the stage despite a collision with a television car.{{cite news |title=Tour riders outraged after 'reckless driving' leads to crash |last=Pretot |first=Julien |url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2011/07/10/video-tour-riders-outraged-after-reckless-driving-leads-to-crash/ |work=National Post |agency=Reuters|date=10 July 2011 |access-date=16 October 2016 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20110712005047/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2011/07/10/video-tour-riders-outraged-after-reckless-driving-leads-to-crash/ |archive-date=12 July 2011 |url-status=dead}} Flecha refused to accept the award on the podium after the stage; Hoogerland, having already been up there to receive the polka dot jersey, did take the award.

File:Tour De France 2011 Standings Chart (inverted).png up to the penultimate stage]]

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Riders from the ProTeams competing individually, as well as for their teams and nations, for points that contributed towards the World Tour rankings.{{sfn|UCI cycling regulations|2011|p=54–55}} Points were awarded to the top twenty finishers in the general classification and to the top five finishers in each stage.{{sfn|Race regulations|2011|pp=27}} The 260 points accrued by Cadel Evans moved him from fourth position to second in the individual ranking. {{UCI team code|LEO|2011|nolink=yes}} took the lead of the team ranking, ahead of {{UCI team code|BMC|2011|nolink=yes}} in second. Spain remained as leaders of the nation ranking, with Italy second.{{cite news|last=Wynn|first=Nigel|title=Evans tops latest UCI World Tour ranking|url=http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/evans-tops-latest-uci-world-tour-ranking-49900|access-date=16 October 2016|work=Cycling Weekly|date=25 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018212203/http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/evans-tops-latest-uci-world-tour-ranking-49900|archive-date=18 October 2016|url-status=live}}

{{Portal|Sports|France}}

• 2011 in men's road cycling
• 2011 in sports

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{cite book|last1=Liggett|first1=Phil|last2=Raia|first2=James|last3=Lewis|first3=Sammarye|author-link1=Phil Liggett|title=Tour de France for Dummies|series=For Dummies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HeBJN_cysjoC|year=2005|publication-place=Indianapolis|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-0-7645-8449-7}}
• {{cite web|title=Race regulations |url=http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/COURSE/docs/reglement.pdf |work=Tour de France |publication-place=Paris |publisher=Amaury Sport Organisation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902041622/http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/COURSE/docs/reglement.pdf |archive-date=2 September 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 October 2016 |year=2011 |ref={{harvid|Race regulations|2011}} }}
• {{cite book|url=http://www.uci.ch:80/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTkzNg&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=34028&LangId=1|title=UCI cycling regulations|series=Part 2, road races|date=1 February 2011|access-date=24 March 2019|publication-place=Aigle, Switzerland|publisher=Union Cycliste Internationale|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425171034/http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTkzNg&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=34028&LangId=1|archive-date=25 April 2011|url-status=dead|ref={{harvid|UCI cycling regulations|2011}}}}

• {{cite book|title=Mapping Le Tour|first=Ellis|last=Bacon|publisher=HarperCollins Publishers|location=Glasgow|year=2014|pages=240–241|isbn=9780007543991|oclc=872700415}}
• {{cite book|last=Boulting|first=Ned|author-link=Ned Boulting|title=How Cav Won the Green Jersey: Short Dispatches from the 2011 Tour de France|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2Im3mCXGkVwC|year=2012|publisher=Random House|location=London|isbn=978-1-4481-2938-6}}
• {{cite book | last=Guinness | first=Rupert | title=The Tour: Behind the Scenes of Cadel Evans' Tour de France | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zMaEySEKtEgC | year=2012 | publisher=Hardie Grant Publishing | location=Melbourne | isbn=978-1-74273-828-4 }}

{{Commons category}}

• {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110801103201/http://www.letour.fr/us/index.html |date=1 August 2011 |title=Official website }}{{cbignore}}

{{2011 UCI World Tour}}

{{Tour de France}}

{{Cycling stage recaps|2011 Tour de France|1|11|12|21}}

{{Tour de France general classification winners}}

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Category:July 2011 sports events in France

Category:Tour de France by year

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