Australian Robbie McEwen won the 13th stage of the Tour de France over 173.5 kilometres from Miramas to Montpellier.
McEwen, battling for the points classification green jersey, beat compatriot Stuart O'Grady in a mass sprint for the line in Montpellier with American Fred Rodriguez third.
Six-times champion Lance Armstrong came home safely in the bunch and retained the overall leader's yellow jersey.
Young Spaniard Alejandro Valverde, who beat Armstrong to win Tuesday's mountain stage at Courchevel and was fifth overall, retired from the race with a knee injury.
