Christophe Agnolutto made a seemingly futile lone break after only 75 kms of today’s 205.5 km flat stage. Christophe, of the AG2R team built a solid lead 7:30 mins ahead of the Pelelton with only 80k to go.

With 80 kms to go Team Telekom pushed their way to the front of the bunch and turned on the gas. But they left it too late to catch the lone ranger. With only 30ks to go Agnolutto was still 6:30 ahead of the pack.

Agnolutto, who was solo for 128.5km, finished 1’11” clear of 2nd place making him the first rider since Cedric Vasseur on stage five of the ’97 Tour to win from a solo break on a flat stage of the Tour. He also gave France their first stage win since stage 8 of the ’98 Tour.

Yellow: Elli
Green: Wust