( CNN ) -- The indefatigable Thomas Voeckler gave home fans a boost by winning the 10th stage of the Tour de France in Bellegarde-sur-Valserine Wednesday . Britain 's Bradley Wiggins comfortably repulsed a series of challenges to hold on to the race leader 's yellow jersey , but few will begrudge Voeckler his moment of glory . The Europcar rider finished a battling fourth on last year 's Tour , but has suffered a series of setbacks in the build up to this year 's race and nearly did not start . His misfortunes did not end there as he was caught in a series of crashes in the first week and also injured his knee . But all that was forgotten as he burst clear of a small breakaway group and held on to win by three seconds from Michele Scarponi ( Lampre-ISD ) , with veteran Jens Voigt ( RadioShack-Nissan ) in third . It was Voeckler 's third Tour stage success , having spent 10 days in yellow in the 2011 edition of cycling 's most famous race . He showed all his familiar fighting qualities in the battle to the line and admitted he believed he would be caught . `` I was going so slow and kept looking back . I did n't believe I could win until about five meters from the finish line , '' he told ITV Sport . After Tuesday 's rest day , Wiggins had to be on his guard as he protected a lead of one minute 53 seconds over last year 's winner Cadel Evans , with his Team Sky teammate Chris Froome in third place at two minutes and seven seconds . The 194.5-km route from Macon featured the first hors categorie ( beyond category ) ascent of the 17.4km Col du Grand Colombier , but Wiggins covered every significant move . Fourth-placed Italian Vincenzo Nibali ( Liquigas ) attacked on the descent of the Grand Colombier , but . `` I did n't panic when he attacked , '' Wiggins told ITV Sport . `` He 's over two minutes behind me and I knew he 'd have to be really strong in the valley if he was to stay away . '' Evans made a final attempt to make up a few seconds on the uphill drag to the finish line , but it was to no avail . Wiggins stamped his authority on the race with victory in Monday 's time trial , opening up big gaps over his major challengers . He would be the first Briton to win the Tour de France . Thursday 's 11th stage is over 148km Albertville to La Toussuire and features more two hors categorie climbs and ends with an 18km category one ascent to the finish .
Thomas Voeckler wins fourth stage of CNN . Italian star also takes over La Toussuire . Britain 's Bradley Wiggins stays in the race leader 's yellow jersey . He is three seconds clear of defending champion Cadel Evans .