BORDEAUX, France -- One day after he had a victory taken away, Germany's Erik Zabel bounced back by winning Saturday's seventh stage of the Tour de France, cycling's most prestigious race.

Frenchman Cedric Vasseur, who won Thursday's fifth stage, retained the overall leader's yellow jersey, but saw his advantage over Zabel reduced to one minute and 49 seconds.

Zabel, the third-stage winner, thought he had won Friday's sixth stage but was disqualified for dangerous riding in Marennes. He was put in last place.

Saturday, Zabel completed the 118-mile jaunt from Marennes to Bordeaux in four hours, 11 minutes and 15 seconds, defeating Estonia's Jaan Kirsipuu and Dutchman Jeroen Blijlevens in a sprint finish. Blijlevens was awarded the sixth stage victory after Zabel was penalized.

TWO AMERICANS FINISHED IN THE top 20 today. Marty Jemison and Tyler Hamilton of U.S. Postal placed 16th and 17th, respectively.

Italy's Mario Cipollini, the overall leader through the first four stages, dropped out of the race today after sustaining a knee injury in a fall on Friday.

Britain's Chris Boardman, who held the lead after the prologue, moved up to third place overall, two minutes and 54 seconds back. American Frankie Andreu jumped from 17th to 11th overall, three minutes and 38 seconds behind.

Sunday's eighth stage will take cyclists on a 102-mile trek from Sauternes to Pau.

The riders will reach the finish line along the Champs Elysees in Paris on July 27th.