Silence Lotto team rider Cadel Evans of Australia gives a thumbs up as he wears the leader's yellow jersey on the podium after the tenth stage of the 95th Tour de France cycling race between Pau and Hatacam, July 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Italy's Leonardo Piepoli claimed his maiden Tour de France stage victory Monday - winning the tenth stage, a 156-kilometer run from Pau to Hautacam - while Australian Cadel Evans seized the overall leader's yellow jersey after the first big mountain battle of the race.

As pre-race favorite Evans took the lead, two intimidating climbs dented the hopes of rivals Alejandro Valverde and Damiano Cunego with the duo crossing the line almost six minutes behind Saunier-Duval rider Piepoli.

Luxembourg's Andy Schleck was some three minutes further behind. Piepoli, who helped compatriot Riccardo Ricco win two stages, beat teammate Juan Jose Cobo Acebo of Spain on the high-altitude finish in Hautacam. Frank Schleck of Luxembourg took third place and is now second overall just one second adrift of Evans, who showed a solid display a day after a bad crash.

Evans, who took the yellow jersey off Kim Kirchen's shoulders, finished 2:17 behind Piepoli with Spain's Carlos Sastre, Russian Denis Menchov, Ricco and American Christian Vande Velde, who moved to third overall 38 seconds behind. Kirchen crossed the line 4:19 behind Piepoli.

Following a nervous start, eight riders, including CSC's Fabian Cancellara, took their chance and on Bastille Day, France's Remy di Gregorio was the only genuine climber in a band enjoying a nine-minute lead at the foot of the Col du Tourmalet.

Saunier Duval team rider Leonardo Piepoli of Italy celebrates on the podium after winning the tenth stage of the 95th Tour de France cycling race between Pau and Hatacam, July 14, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)