Tommy Voeckler showed his true fighting spirit to restore some French pride and record his first stage win in the Tour de France yesterday.

After ending up in a ditch with three of his team-mates in Monday's team time trial, the 30-year-old Frenchman launched a classic breakaway to win by seven seconds.

The Bouygues Telecom man made the decisive break 4km from home, using a roundabout to launch his attack.

"This is my greatest victory," said Voeckler. "I've been wanting this for so long but I've tried so many times before that it was impossible for me to say that a stage win might be possible.

"I only began to believe it was possible with about 300metres to go.

"I know I'm not capable of winning a Grand Tour but I try to take advantage of my strengths by setting small targets. I've worn the yellow jersey at the Tour and now I've won a stage."

Britain's Mark Cavendish finished third to increase his lead in the race for the sprinter's green jersey, while race leader Fabian Cancellara and second-placed Lance Armstrong came home in the peloton.