The Dutch star had hoped to have earned the yellow jersey on the opening stage, but was unable to catch world champion Julian Alaphilippe as the Frenchman secured a stunning win.

The result was a disappointment for Van der Poel, who had targeted claiming the jersey for Poulidor.

His Alpecin-Fenix team had been given permission to wear a special jersey in honour Poulidor yesterday as Van der Poel made his Grand Tour debut.

Poulidor became known as the "eternal second" at the race, after finishing runner-up three times and third five times during his career.

He never wore the yellow jersey in the 14 years he competed at the race.

Van der Poel took the jersey today after launching two attacks on the Mur-de-Bretagne during the 183.5 kilometres route.

His initial moved was closed down by Alaphilippe, but the peloton was unable to prevent the 26-year-old from pulling clear on the second and final ascent.

Van der Poel finished in a winning time of 4 hours, 18min, 30sec, ending six seconds clear of Slovenia’s Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar.

Alaphilippe crossed a further two seconds behind, but was unable to hold onto the race lead due to Van der Poel earning bonus seconds for the stage win.

"I played everything I got at the first climb,” said Van der Poel.

"I wanted to grab the bonus seconds because this was the last chance for me to get yellow jersey, and I needed them.

"When I launched my attack with 800 meters to go, no one followed me, so I kept going.

"The last 500 meters were really painful, but I knew I had to go full gas in order to win.

"I didn’t learn that I had taken the yellow jersey until five minutes after the finish line.

"To finish it off like this is incredible.

"Maybe yesterday I was under a bit of stress.

"Unfortunately, my grandfather isn’t here anymore, but imagine if he was here, how proud he would be.

"I have talked about it many times with my Mum."

Van der Poel leads by eight seconds from Alaphilippe, with defending champion Pogačar and Roglič lying 13 and 14 seconds behind, respectively.

Wilco Kelderman of The Netherlands completes the top five at 26 seconds down.

There was a blow by Britain’s Geraint Thomas as the 2018 champion was distanced approaching the finish and is 41 seconds off the pace after two stages.