Frenchman David Moncoutie claimed his first-ever victory on the Tour de France by taking stage 11 on Thursday.
Moncoutie spent three quarters of the 164km stage from Saint Flour and Figeac out in front alongside Spaniards Egoi Martinez and Juan Antonio Flecha.
But with just over eight kilometres left, the Cofidis rider attacked and quickly left his companions behind.
Flecha of the Fassa Bortolo team edged out Euskaltel-Euskadi rider Martinez on the final approach to finish second.
Victory was sweet for Moncoutie, who seized his chance for glory on the roads of his home region of central France.
"To win a stage is wonderful. To live around here and win here is incredible," he said.
"I know the road and I knew when I had 30 seconds, I knew I could win."
Norwegian Thor Hushovd led Erik Zabel over the line to claim fourth place, with the peloton five minutes and 59 seconds behind Moncoutie.
Five-time winner Lance Armstrong came in not far behind, the American sprinting for the line to finish in ninth ahead of Stuart O'Grady.
Thomas Voeckler finished in 14th place and will keep the yellow jersey for stage 12.