July 6, 2003 (Montgeron-Meaux, France) – A fast 168k stage leaving Paris resulted in Giro phenom Alessandro Petacchi (Fassa Bortolo) taking his first, of possibly many Tour stage wins. The day saw an early break reeled in the final kilometres, led mostly by Fassa Bortolo.

With 500 metres to go there was a large crash that split the field and it is unclear at this time if any favourites were involved. Erik Zabel (Telekom) finished third after chasing back on from a puncture with 10k remaining, while Aussie Robbie McEwen (Lotto-Domo), last year's Green jersey, was second. McGee retains the overall yellow jersey.

Preliminary results:

Stage 1: Saint-Denis/Montgeron – Meaux, 168 km

1. Alessandro Petacchi (Ita) Fassa Bortolo 3.44.33
2. Robbie McEwen (Aus) Lotto-Domo
3. Erik Zabel (Ger) telekom
4. Baden Cooke (Aus) FDJeux.com
5. Thor Hushovd (Nor) Credit Agricole
6. Oscar Freire (Spa) Rabobank
7. Luca Paolini (Ita) Quick.Step
8. Romans Vainsteins (Lat) Vini Caldirola
9. Jaan Kirsipuu (Est) Ag2r
10. Rene Haselbacher (Aut) Gerolsteiner