On the first lap, the peloton seemed more interested in a local beverage than getting on with racing...

...but by lap 2 of the 7.5 mile circut, George Hincapie heads the peloton; there are three men up the road.

Moises Adape (Team Type 1), Tomas Vaitkus (Astana) and Chris Anker Sorenson worked the break to as high as 1:50 or so.

Back in the pack, Leipheimer and Voigt are near the front, looking to avoid a silly crash.

Not suprisingly, Cervelo and Columbia-HTC played the leading roles at the front of the peloton.

Here Michael Barry takes his turn at the front; but the pace is still leisurely...

No worries for Agnoli, Wren, and Cozza; they can easily work their way back up through the cars.

As ever the great team rider, Hincapie is back, loaded up with bottles in his new National Champion kit.

Ahead, Sorenson takes a pull; the break was away most of the day.

A large sewer cover hole added to the fun in the feed zone; Columbia have missed it and Levi is ensuring he does the same.

The Gateway Arch made for a great backdrop along a good portion of the route.

Along with Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals.

With 2 laps to go, again George serves his team. Cav - would you like water or sport drink?

The break now knows their fate is sealed, it is just a matter of time...

...as the peloton is now hard at work to rein them in. The catch was made with a about 10 miles to go.

Just after the catch, Matthew Crane gave it a go, hit em hard after the catch!

...but he'll be caught with just under 1 lap to go.

Mark Cavendish wins the slightly uphill sprint easily over JJ Haedo and Thor Hushovd

The podium, and the first three places of the GC after Stage 1; Cavendish, Haedo and Hushovd.

So many jerseys, which to wear? Cavendish captured the sprint, young riders, and the leaders jersey today!