PARIS, July 12 (Xinhua) -- Dutch sprint specialist Dylan Groenewegen made redemption for his woeful opening stage by claiming the seventh stage title in Tour de France, while Italian debutant Giulio Ciccone retained his yellow jersey on Friday.
In the longest stage of the year from Belfort to Chalon-sur-Saone, Groenewegen was adjudged the first to have crossed the line through photo finish, ahead of Australia's Caleb Ewan and sprint green jersey owner Peter Sagan of Slovakia.
Groenewegen, seen as a favorite for the first stage champion, was involved in a crash not far from the finish and were forced to see his Jumbo-Visma teammate Mike Teunissen celebrate the victory.
"I had a difficult start to the Tour, but yesterday I felt good again. Today the team really charged for me. It was great," said Groenewegen.
Stephane Rossetto and Yoann Offredo formed a leading duo for most part of the 230km flat stage. They were caught by the peleton with 12km remaining.
Ciccone finished safely in the main pack, leading Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe by six seconds in overall standings. Defending champion Geraint Thomas sits 49 seconds behind Ciccone on fifth.
Now riders face the eighth stage from Macon to Saint-Etienne on Saturday.
"Tomorrow will be a very hard stage again. For sure I need to try to keep the jersey but I only have six seconds so it will be hard. Six seconds is nothing. With the yellow jersey, it will be impossible to be in the breakaway," admitted Ciccone. Enditem
