Froome wins Stage 7, Wiggins yellow jersey

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LA PLANCHE DES BELLE FILLES, France, July 7 (UPI) -- Chris Froome won Stage 7 and Bradley Wiggins grabbed the yellow jersey at the Tour de France Saturday, boosting Britain's fortunes in cycling's premier event.

Froome outpaced his British countryman as well as defending champion Cadel Evans down the stretch at La Planche des Belles Filles, France, taking the 124-mile Stage 7 with a time of 4 hours, 58 minutes and 35 seconds.

Evans claimed the runner-up spot 2 seconds behind Froome, just edging Wiggins, who nevertheless wrested the mantle of overall leader from the Australian with the performance.

The Briton established a 10-second advantage at the top of the board.

Finishing fourth another 5 seconds back was Italy's Vincenzo Nibali. He used the effort to secure third place overall, 16 seconds behind Wiggins.

The finish at La Planche des Belles Filles -- a new addition to the Tour de France -- includes a steep climb during the last few miles, with the final 100 meters at a 14-percent grade.

That climb took a toll on Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara, who lost the yellow jersey for the first time since the prologue. He finished 1:52 off Froome's pace for the day and fell to 11th overall.