World champion Tom Boonen of Belgium has the yellow jersey for the sixth stage of the Tour de France from Lisieux to Vitre

France's Arnaud Coyot of the Cofidis team starts an early breakaway and is followed by Germany's Ralf Grabsch

Spain's Juan Manuel Garate puts on his raincoat as the riders prepare to tackle wet conditions

Florent Brard leads fellow Frenchman Anthony Geslin with Christian Knees of Germany in pursuit

Boonan stays near the front of the field as the race passes through some of the most scenic parts of the countryside

Australian Robbie McEwen (r) of the Davitamon-Lotto team hits the front in a dramatic sprint to the line

And McEwen holds off Daniele Bennati and Boonen to secure his third stage victory

McEwen's delight is clear as he steps onto the podium and takes the applause of the crowd

Boonen is still the overall leader and keeps the yellow jersey - but McEwen is now just 12 seconds behind