PAU, France -- German Erik Zabel won the eighth stage of the Tour de France on Sunday, his second victory in a row and third of this year's race.

Second was Italian Nicola Minali. Dutchman Jeroen Blijlevens, who won Friday's stage after Zabel's was disqualified, was third.

FRENCHMAN CEDRIC VASSEUR STAYED IN the overall lead as the Tour entered its second week.

Sunday's stage covered 100 miles Sauternes to Pau. It was the last flat stage before the Pyrenees.

The riders spend a few days in the mountains then another stage before a rest day on Thursday in St. Etienne. There is the first major time trial on Friday in St. Etienne.

Zabel won Saturday's stage. The previous day, he finished first but was placed last for a sprint that hindered other riders.