The German's delight was clear after the long wait

The trio's three French squads are among seven who have not won a stage on this year's race.

They were to remain disappointed thanks to the chase of Zabel's team Telekom, who took their first win of the race after four second places shared equally between the sprinter and Jan Ullrich.

The German squad was aided by Farm Frites - whose rider Robbie McEwan was second - and Polti, who placed Jeroen Blijlevens third on a good day for the sprinters.

With 50km remaining the breakaway trio had a lead of almost four minutes, but they were caught under the 5km-to-go banner.

Last chance attack

Local favourite Simon tried a do-or-die attack which lasted until 2km remaining.

Three of the former French champion's elder brothers won Tour stages during professional careers but Francois Simon has never tasted victory in the race.

The Tour passes through western France

And from then there was a mass charge to the line, with Telekom's Italian rider Gian-Matteo Fagnini providing Zabel with a perfect lead-out.

"After that three-year drought it's great to get a stage win," said the winner.

"It's a big moment for me - a big thank you to my team, who worked very well."

Britain's David Millar finished 93rd, in the same time as the leader, and gained a place in the classification thanks to Boogerd's mishap.

The pace in the main bunch was so high during the chase that the peloton split in two, with echelons forming in crosswinds on the flat plains.

Those who lost contact included some big names - French star Laurent Jalabert, who finished 2'43 down, and Spanish climber Jose Maria Jimenez who finished in a group almost seven minutes down.

Boogerd out

Jimenez fell in the same crash which accounted for Boogerd's hopes of finishing.

The Dutchman, who finished fourth in the 1998 Tour, started the day in 19th place.

The accident in the early part of Saturday's racing caused the Rabobank team leader to fall awkwardly, injuring his face and knee.

He was stretchered away from the roadside.