Frenchman David Moncoutie seized his chance on the roads of his home region of central France to win the 164-km 11th stage of the Tour de France today, the last before two stages in the Pyrenees.
Five-times champion Lance Armstrong and all the other favourites took it easy between St Flour and Figeac, saving strength for the two gruelling stages ahead, very similar to those in which the American built his victory in 2002.
Moncoutie, 13th overall in the Tour that year, parted company with Spaniards Juan Antonio Flecha and Egoi Martinez with 10 km left before the finish to snatch his first Tour stage victory, coming home over two minutes clear.
Flecha finished second and Martinez third with the peloton about six minutes behind.
France's Thomas Voeckler retained the overall lead.
Stage 11 results
1. David Moncoutie (COF) 164km in 3h54'58" (41.878km/h)
2. Juan Antonio Flecha (FAS) at 2'15"
3. Egoi Martinez (EUS) at 2'17"
4. Thor Hushovd (C.A) at 5'58"
5. Erik Zabel (TMO) at 5'58"
6. Robbie McEwen (LOT) at 5'58"
7. Paolo Bettini (QSD) at 5'58"
8. Danilo Hondo (GST) at 5'58"
9. Lance Armstrong (USP) at 5'58"
10. Stuart O'Grady (COF) at 5'58"