Cadel Evans claimed just his second Tour de France stage victory overnight, holding off defending champion Alberto Contador in a tight uphill sprint to the finish line. Evans won by half a wheel in a dramatic photo finish, with the fast-finishing Contador celebrating after initially thinking he had snatched the stage honours.

Evans' only previous victory, the stage 13 time-trial in 2007, was rescinded from Astana rider Alexandre Vinokourov for returning a positive drug sample.

Despite his victory, Evans was unable to make-up the slender margin of one second to leader Thor Hushovd, as the Norwegian was able to finish in the same group as Evans and Contador, retaining the yellow jersey for at least another day.

Belgian, Philippe Gilbert, winner of the opening stage, was favourite once again on a stage expected to suit the tough riders on a steep uphill finish. A group of four formed a breakaway within the first hour of racing. The peloton kept the escapees in check, only allowing the lead to stretch to three minutes before reeling them in with 15km remaining on the stage.

As the steep final climb approached, it was Evans' BMC Racing team that came to the front to control the race. And just as well, as the Australian was left stranded on the side of the road due to mechanical failure, and was forced into a quick bike change with teammate Marcus Burghardt.

"With 15km to go I think someone crashed into my rear derailleur [gear mechanism] and I had to change bikes. [Team-mate] Marcus Burghardt helped me out... he is my hero today," Evans told SBS.

As the peloton approached the slopes of the final 2km hill, Evans had the support of the experienced George Hincapie, riding his sixteenth Tour, to pace him to the line.

As with the opening stage a group of twenty riders, featuring the general classification contenders, surged to the front in the final 1.3km. Contador launched his attack, but was easily chased down by Gilbert and the fresh Evans. The Australian then made his ultimate move with only 500m to go, striving to the line to hold off a valiant Contador, who had timed his run a fraction late. Vinokourov was third.

The victory was a great sign for Evans, proving he has brought his early season form into the world's biggest bike race. Just as poignant though is the fact he has the support of a strong BMC team behind him to launch a challenge for overall honours at the end of the gruelling three week event.

Evans victory also put further space between him and fellow yellow jersey contenders Bradley Wiggins (Sky), Ivan Basso (Liquigas) and Andy Schleck (Leopard Trek). Wiggins finished six seconds behind Evans and Contador, while Basso and Schleck lost eight seconds.

"It's a big surprise, I still quite can't believe it myself," Evans said. "The first goal today was to avoid problems, and then go for the stage if possible. For me personally, the objectives are always the same - our plans in the GC [general classification]."

Evans once again proved he was the man for the occasion backing up from his second place to Gilbert on stage one.