Cadel Evans and Philippe Gilbert of Belgium wait for the start of the seventh stage from Le Mans to Chateauroux. Picture: AP

The breakaway, from left, Belgium's Gianni Meersman, Spain's Pablo Urtasun Perez, France's Mickael Delage and France's Yannick Talabardon. The quartet made their move early. Picture: AFP

This straw decoration gave riders something different to look at. Picture: AFP

After battling some unseasonal weather in recent days, the skies cleared for riders during stage seven. Picture: AFP

Drama hit when, 40km out from the end of the stage, Wiggins was caught up in a crash. His teammates waited for him to see if he was OK as medicos rushed to his aid. Picture: AP

Cavendish wins by a comfortable margin. Well, comfortable enough over 218km. Picture: AP

Cavendish was pretty chuffed after realising what he'd achieved. Picture: AFP