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BERLIN, Sept 5, 2008 (AFP) - France’s Stephane Auge, of the Cofidis team, won the seventh and penultimate stage of the Tour of Germany from Neuss to Georgsmarienhutte on Friday but German rider Linus Gerdemann was poised for overall victory.

Auge came out on top in a sprint finish ahead of compatriot Thierry Hupond and Mauro Da Dalto of Italy.

The peloton, led by Gerdemann, crossed the line four minutes after the winner.

Columbia rider Gerdemann, who has held the leader’s jersey since the opening stage, goes into Saturday’s final stage, a 34km time trial at Bremen, with a 17-sec lead over teammate Thomas Lovkvist.

Photo by: CorVos Pro