2012 Tour de France presentation in photos

The route of the 2012 Tour de France was officially presented in Paris today and race organiser ASO rolled out the red carpet for cycling dignitaries and the stars of the professional peloton alike.

Virtually all of the riders who made the 2011 Tour de France memorable were on hand, decked out in stylish attire and tuned into the presentation by race director Christian Prudhomme: overall champion Cadel Evans, multi-stage winner and maillot jaune wearer Thor Hushovd, green jersey winner and recently crowned world champion Mark Cavendish, podium finishers Frank and Andy Schleck, three-time Tour winner Alberto Contador, stage one winner Philippe Gilbert, Luz-Ardiden stage winner Sammy Sanchez, French hero Thomas Voeckler, and Alpe-d’Huez winner and race revelation Pierre Rolland.

With the 2011 road season over, the riders were all smiles as they took in the parcours for 2012 and head into the off-season to plan their return in 2012 for the biggest race on the planet.

View our photo gallery of the proceedings during today's Tour route presentation.

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