Thomas Voeckler of France, the overall leader, signs autographs in Chateaubriant before the start of stage seven

Laurent Brochard of France and AG2R Prevoyance wastes no time in launching a solo assault but is soon reeled in

Saeco team leader Gilberto Simoni is dropped by the peloton at the 17km mark - but catches up 30 minutes later

A French cow looks singularly unimpressed as the peloton continues on its way to Brittany

Matthew Wilson of Australia and Team FDjeux.com leads the pack behind breakaway duo Erik Dekker and Thierry Marichal

Belgium's Marichal leads Dekker over the Cote de Dinan as their lead over the peloton grows to eight minutes

Italy's Filippo Pozzato, the youngest rider on the Tour, outsprints Iker Flores and Francisco Mancebo to seal victory