The Mitchelton-Scott team member was one of 162 riders who finished with the same time after the 194.5km opening stage.

A former Weeroona College student, Haig's main role at the Tour is to assist team-mate Adam Yates finish as high as possible in the general classification.

"I think it'll all sink in once we get into the Tour,'' Haig said prior to stage one.

"At the moment it's a bit bigger than any other race I've done - coming here and having all of you here is a bit different, but I think I'll notice the impact of the Tour de France once we start racing on the road.

"I'm incredibly excited to experience my first one and the team has been really good, I don't have a lot of pressure in the role I'm in and they are allowing me to experience the Tour de France for what it is.

"Hopefully then, if I do come back, I can come back with a little bit more pressure and be able to perform."

Haig is one of Mitchelton-Scott's premier climbers and his first big test will be in Monday night's (AEST) third stage where the final 30km of the stage are in the Épernay hills.

The first mountain stage is on Thursday night (AEST) - a demanding 170km stage from Mulhouse to La Planche des Belles Filles.

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