Stage 7 to Metz. The last sprinters stage for a long time in this race. Also perhaps the last chance for riders to attack who enjoy more so riding on the flat. As a result the first forty kilometres were hectic with attacks.

Namibian champion Lotto (TNA) watches on as riders attempt to get into the break of the day. Telecom Namibia were particularly active with Dean and outside stage favourite Radochla attempting to get into many early breaks. After 40 kilometres no one is out in front.

Then Valach (STM) followed by Arashiro (BSE), Vigano (RBL), Macias (TCL) and Ludvigsson (KLO) are allowed to get clear by the Standard Chartered lead peloton.

Aerlingus can see that this break is sticking with the five riders gaining 2 minutes quite quickly and rather than work for Bole (ALS) they decide to send their two champions Bagdonas and Brammeier on the attack.

Perhaps Bagdonas and Brammeier are beginning to suffer as it took them a good 30 kilometres to bridge the gap to the break out front. Bagdonas was the best placed @7:16.

As the break's advantage grows Husky Energy are doing a lot of work on the front of the peloton. With no sprinter surely they would be better off putting one man in the break or saving energy so they can help Brambilla in the mountains?

In an almost carbon copy to stage 6, with 110 kilometres to go and the gap to the break at 8:30 Pulso Verde and Kulalu come to the front to up the pace, immediately reducing the gap. The only difference being Standard Chartered putting in a bit more effort than they did on stage 6. On the front regularly was van Niekerk (KLU) despite all his efforts on the front of the peloton so far he is one of only 23 riders under 3 minutes on the GC.

With 86 kilometres to go the break reaches the sprint at Saint Mihiel and don't contest the points, behind in the peloton only three riders appear to go for the points, not including green jersey wearer Phinney.

Intermediate Sprint Result from Saint Mihiel:

For the next 60 kilometres very little happened except the break was gradually being brought back by Pulso Verde and Kulalu.

One of the first riders to be dropped was KOM jersey leader Puccio (BZQ), was he suffering from his earlier exploits in the race?

Into the last 20 kilometres and the gap to the break was just over 1 minute. Then with 16kilometers to go Trofimov (AFL) attacks and quickly makes his way to the break. Like yesterday O'Grady (TNA) and Durbridge (PDA) were near the front but don't go with this move as Trofimov counters an attack from Arashiro, however...........

with 10 kilometres to go O'Grady puts in a massive attack passing the break, Trofimov tries but can't follow. With 6 kilometres to go O'Grady is still out front, attacks by Durbridge (PDA), Tuft (QMS) and Jeannesson (PCA) break free from the peloton but can they catch up with O'Grady........

no they can't. With 3 kilometres they are swallowed by the peloton. Hunter and Phinney look to be in a great position, but O'Grady is still out front when....

the peloton now led by Pulso Verde injects renewed speed into the peloton, O'Grady now only has a handful of seconds advantage, his valiant effort ends just before the 1Km to go banner. Hunter and Phinney really get caught out by this move from Pulso Verde and get boxed in, surely they can't challenge from so far back......

Well into the closing stages. Chavanel (PVE) leads with Hinault (SCD) on his wheel.

Chavanel goes to early and Hinault passes. However, the race is not won Andriato (BDB) and on his wheel Napolitano (RBL) are still in contention.....

But Hinault holds on for his second stage victory, an impressive second goes to Andriato while Napolitano rounds off the podium. Phinney and Hunter looked to be sprinting in another level and easily finished the fastest.

Hinault gets the win and non relation Bernard is not far away to congratulate him!

It is extra special for Standard Chartered and Rosseler and will hold on to the yellow jersey for almost certainly one more day maximum.

Phinney has his lead shortened in the points classification but still maintains a commanding lead whilst he also holds onto the white jersey. Puccio maintains the mountains jersey and Bezeq continue to top the team classification.

Stage Results:

STAGE POINTS:

ULTRA CLASSIFICATION STAGE:

OVERALL GENERAL CLASSIFICATION:

OVERALL POINTS:

ULTRA CLASSIFICATION OVERALL:

Huge report coming up between 4 and 5pm GMT today, for the first mountain top finish.

With a climax you will have to see to believe!