[Reuters] - Cadel Evans became the first Australian to win the Tour de France after Britain's Mark Cavendish took Sunday's final stage on the Champs Elysees for the third year in a row.

The 34-year-old Evans, the oldest Tour winner since World War II, showed resilience throughout as he broke three-times champion Alberto Contador's unbeaten run in a grand tour since 2007.

Luxembourg's Andy Schleck was second overall for the third year in succession, 1:34 behind Evans, who claimed his maiden grand tour title.

From Thomas Voeckler's dogged pursuit of the yellow jersey, to Johnny Hoogerland's dramatic crash, below are the best images from this year's tour.

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A pack of cyclists ride along the Passage du Gois La Barre-de-Monts during the first stage of the Tour de France 2011 cycling race. REUTERS
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Sky team's rider Bradley Wiggins of Britain leads his teammates during the team time trial in the second stage of the Tour de France 2011 cycling race in Les Essarts. REUTERS
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A leg of a rider is seen at the start of the fifth stage of the Tour de France 2011 cycling race from Carhaix to Cap Frehel. REUTERS
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Cavendish of Britain makes the final sprint with Gilbert of Belgium and Hushovd of Norway during the fifth stage of the Tour de France 2011 cycling race from Carhaix to Cap Frehel. REUTERS
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The pack of riders cycles during the seventh stage of the Tour de France 2011 cycling race from Le Mans to Chateauroux. REUTERS
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Vacansoleil-DCM rider Hoogerland of Netherlands is pictured after crashing during the ninth stage of the Tour de France 2011. REUTERS
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An artist performs before the start of the ninth stage of the Tour de France 2011 cycling race. REUTERS
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Saxo Bank-Sungard's Contador of Spain is followed up a climb by Omega Pharma-Lotto's Gilbert of Belgium during fourth stage of Tour de France 2011 cycling race from Lorient to Mur-de-Bretagne. REUTERS
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The peloton rides past a cow during the seventh stage of the Tour de France cycling race, from Le Mans to Chateaurou. REUTERS
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The pack rides during the tenth stage of the Tour de France 2011 cycling race. REUTERS
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Saur-Sojasun rider Jimmy Engoulvent of France pedals during the break away in the 16th stage of the Tour de France 2011 cycling race. REUTERS
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Leopard-Trek riders pedals during the 17th stage of the Tour. REUTERS
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The pack rides during the 11th stage from Blaye Les Mines to Lavaur. REUTERS
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The pack of riders cycles on the Champs Elysees in Paris during the final stage between Creteil and Paris. REUTERS
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BMC Racing Team's Cadel Evans of Australia rides ahead of the pack in Paris during the final stage Tour. REUTERS
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BMC Racing Team's Cadel Evans of Australia celebrates on podium with the leader's yellow jersey after winning the 98th Tour de France cycling race in Paris. REUTERS