Frenchman David Moncoutie won the 11th stage of the Tour de France held over 160km of undulating terrain between Saint Flour and Figeac on Thursday.
Thomas Voeckler of France retains the yellow jersey.
Moncoutie had been part of an early breakaway before he attacked his two companions, Juan Antonio Flecha of Fassa Bortolo and Euskaltel rider Egoitz Martinez, with around nine kilometres to ride to the finish.
Both riders came in around two and a half minutes behind Moncoutie, his first Tour de France stage win, and achieved in his home region.
The peloton arrived at around six minutes later with Norwegian champion Thor Hushovd, of the Credit Agricole team, claiming fourth place ahead of Erik Zabel and Robbie McEwen, the Australian who is wearing the green jersey for the points classification.
Five-time winner Lance Armstrong came in not far behind that bunch, the American surprising everyone by sprinting for the line to finish in ninth ahead of Stuart O’Grady. — Sapa-AFP