Cycling has to be one of the most photogenic sports in the world and some truly jaw-dropping images have been captured at this year’s Tour de France.

Whether it’s the untamed beauty of the high mountains, the vibrant colour of the peloton, or the sheer effort etched onto the riders’ faces, there’s something for everyone, and we’ve scoured the archives to bring you some of the best photos from the first nine stages:

The publicity caravan gets ready to roll ahead of the opening stage (photo: A.S.O.)

The acton sweeps along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice on Stage 1 (photo: SWPix.com)

Alexander Kristoff grits his teeth whilst trying to defend the yellow jersey on Stage 2 (photo: SWPix.com)

The peloton presses on whilst the heavens open on Stage 3 (photo: Cor Vos)

Julian Alaphilippe leads by example as he climbs in the yellow jersey on Stage 3 (photo: Cor Vos)

Deceuninck - Quick-Step string the peloton out on a fast section on Stage 3 (photo: SWPix.com)

The race winds its way from Sisteron to Orcieres Merlette on Stage 4 (photo: A.S.O.)

The mountains dwarf the riders as they head towards them on Stage 4 (photo: A.S.O.)

The yellow jersey shines brightest in the bunch on Stage 4 (photo: SWPix.com)

Peter Sagan is a picture of concentration on the on Col de la Lusette on Stage 6 (photo: SWPix.com)

On the Cote de Luzencon with the spectacular Millau Viaduct in the background on Stage 7 (photo: SWPix.com)

Four riders flying high in the mountains on Stage 8 (photo: A.S.O.)

All the colours of the peloton come together at the start of Stage 9 (photo: SWPix.com)

Team Jumbo-Visma lead the peloton out of the clouds on Stage 9 (photo: A.S.O.)

Egan Bernal gives it everything he’s got on the Col de Marie-Blanque on Stage 9 (photo: SWPix.com)