Kate Middleton, Prince Willian kick off 101st Tour de France

Prince William, Catherine pose in front of the pack of riders at Harewood House in Leeds. (Source: Reuters)

The 198 competitors in the 101st Tour de France have started their grueling three-week ride through four countries before ending the world's greatest cycling race in Paris on July 27. Watched by her husband Prince William and his brother Prince Harry, Kate Middleton cut the race ribbon at the start of the first leg which also featured a flyover by aeronautical display team the Red Arrows.

The Royal style icon was fabulous in an Allie coat by Erdem. Kate finished off her look with nude pumps and clutch. (Source: AP/Reuters)

Prince Harry, Kate and Prince William pose with Giant-Shimano team rider Marcel Kittel of Germany on the podium after he won the first 190.5 km stage of the Tour de France cycling race. (Source: Reuters)

The Duchess of Cambridge bestows the first race leader's yellow jersey to Giant-Shimano team rider Marcel Kittel of Germany at the day's awards ceremony, after he won the first 190.5 km stage of the Tour de France cycling race. (Source: Reuters)-

Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince Harry pose in front of the pack of riders at Harewood House in Leeds. (Source: Reuters)

Saturday's 190.5-kilometer (118.4-mile) Stage 1 took the pack on a rolling loop along the bucolic English countryside from Leeds to Harrogate – a layout that could be tailor-made for a sprinter to win.

A woman takes pictures of Kate Middleton during the first stage of the Tour de France cycling race. (Source: AP)

Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince Harry watch as Mark Cavendish falls (unseen) from his bike near the finish line. (Source: AP)

In all, the riders will cover 3,664 kilometers (2,277 miles) of roads in England, France, Belgium and Spain.

Kate, Prince William and Prince Harry laugh on the podium at the finish line. (Source: Reuters)

Catherine and Prince William applaud on the podium. (Source: Reuters)

Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and Prince William speak to guests at Harewood House. (Source: Reuters)