MONTBELIARD, France -- Frenchman Didier Rous broke away 46 miles from the finish to win the 18th stage of the Tour de France on Thursday.

Rous came in just over five minutes ahead of compatriot Pascal Herve and American Bobby Julich, who were second and third in the 109-mile stage from Colmar.

He benefited from clever tactical support from his Festina teammates Laurent Dufaux and Herve, whom Rous quoted as saying: "Off you go on your own."

Jan Ullrich of Germany retained the overall leader's yellow jersey.