NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES, France, July 7 (Xinhua) -- 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.
