NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES, France, July 7 -- It was all about the 213.5km stage for a 0.0003 second finish.

Things could not be more dramatic than that as German rider Marcel Kittel took that advantage to secure his record-equalling 12th stage victory at Tour de France, the world's most prestigious road cycling tournaments.

After finishing a back-to-back title winning in the past two flat stages here on Friday, Kittel has equalled Erik Zabel in the most stage victories by a German rider. It was his third win in this year's tournament.

Four riders had a breakaway after the start of the 213.5km stage from Troyes to Nuits-Saint-Georges, but they were finally caught by the peloton with six kilometers remaining.

Kittel was not quite sure about his stage win after he almost crossed the finish line head-to-head with Norweigen Edvald Boasson Hagen, before that was confimed by the photo finish. Perhaps nothing could tell more about the stage than the 0.0003-second gap.

"It's definitely the closest win I've ever had in my career," said the 29-year-old Kittel.

With 50 sprint points from the top finish, the Quick-Step rider also got back the sprinters' green jersey from the Frenchman Arnaud Demare. Coming from a 27-point deficit, Kittel built a 15-point lead against Demare.

British Christopher Froome had another comfortable day with a 12-second gap over his Sky teammate Geraint Thomas to wear the yellow jersey.

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