NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES, France, July 7 -- It was all about the 213.5km stage for a 0.0003 second finish.
Things could not be more dramatic than that as German rider Marcel Kittel took that advantage to secure his record-equalling 12th stage victory at Tour de France, the world's most prestigious road cycling tournaments.
After finishing a back-to-back title winning in the past two flat stages here on Friday, Kittel has equalled Erik Zabel in the most stage victories by a German rider. It was his third win in this year's tournament.
Four riders had a breakaway after the start of the 213.5km stage from Troyes to Nuits-Saint-Georges, but they were finally caught by the peloton with six kilometers remaining.
Kittel was not quite sure about his stage win after he almost crossed the finish line head-to-head with Norweigen Edvald Boasson Hagen, before that was confimed by the photo finish. Perhaps nothing could tell more about the stage than the 0.0003-second gap.
"It's definitely the closest win I've ever had in my career," said the 29-year-old Kittel.
With 50 sprint points from the top finish, the Quick-Step rider also got back the sprinters' green jersey from the Frenchman Arnaud Demare. Coming from a 27-point deficit, Kittel built a 15-point lead against Demare.
British Christopher Froome had another comfortable day with a 12-second gap over his Sky teammate Geraint Thomas to wear the yellow jersey.
Italian Fabio Aru sat on third after trailing Froome by 14 seconds, and possessed the polkadot king of the mountains jersey.
The best young rider was still Simon Yates, who led by 24 seconds. Team Sky faced little challenge for their top position on overall team standings.
Riders prepared to embreace the challenges from mountain stages in Jura and Alps this weekend. For Froome, the results from this weekend might make a big difference.
"In terms of my rivals, Fabio Aru is threatening," he commented.
Saturday's 187.5-kilometer eighth stage will start from Dole and finish at the Rousses ski station in Jura, and riders have to experience a 11.7km uphill road with an average gradient of 6.4% before the finish.
娱乐英语资讯:Britney Spears agreed to visit her kids
娱乐英语资讯:Jackie Chan,Zhang Ziyi to sing for Olympic film
娱乐英语资讯:Gwen Stefani pregnant: reports
娱乐英语资讯:Penelope flashes her assets in sexy new Mango ad
娱乐英语资讯:Von Teese is the new face of wonderbra
娱乐英语资讯:Jessica Alba: Im more afraid of breastfeeding than giving birth
娱乐英语资讯:Julianne Moores valentine to charity
娱乐英语资讯:Naomi Campbell gets bail after plane arrest
娱乐英语资讯:Allen no longer spokesmodel for Agent Provocateur
娱乐英语资讯:Jolie, Pitt officially adopt Pax Thien
娱乐英语资讯:Lius Milk Tea Blues
娱乐英语资讯:Kid Rock pleads not guilty to battery charges
娱乐英语资讯:Salma Hayek and boyfriend named Hollywoods Richest Couple
娱乐英语资讯:Lindsay Lohan glams up for once
娱乐英语资讯:Victorias Secret starts swimwear collection selling
娱乐英语资讯:Keira Knightley flashes her assets in a denim bondage suit
娱乐英语资讯:DiCaprios Romeo and Juliet tops movie tear-jerkers list
娱乐英语资讯:Katie Holmes shows off her signature old Hollywood glamour look
娱乐英语资讯:Lindsay Lohan From Superheroes To Alice In Wonderland
娱乐英语资讯:Sean Penn, Robin Wright withdraw divorce petition
娱乐英语资讯:Hollywood film, TV actors unions part before contract talks
娱乐英语资讯:Nicholson says hes looking for love
娱乐英语资讯:Daniel Craig swaps speedos for woolly jumpers in new film
娱乐英语资讯:Paris Hilton: Britneys a great mother
娱乐英语资讯:Victoria Beckhams sweet surprise for husband David
娱乐英语资讯:Pink and racer hubby Carey Hart split up
娱乐英语资讯:Hugh Grant lends support to cancer charity
娱乐英语资讯:Simon Rex and Hilton leaving Villa Lounge after enjoying a drink
娱乐英语资讯:Mira Nair to helm Hilary Swank starred Amelia
娱乐英语资讯:Kirsten Dunst turns fashion designer