Luxembourg’s Kim Kirchen won the seventh stage of the Tour of Switzerland, a 204 kilometre ride from Bad Zurzach to here on Friday.

Last year’s winner, Czech rider Roman Kreuziger was second over the line and Germany’s Linus Gerdemann third.

Overall race leader Tadej Valjavec was among a group just behind at the finish.

The Slovenian, who retains the overall leader’s yellow jersey, finished just behind his challenger for the top spot, Swiss hero Fabian Cancellara.

The race, the last major race before next month’s Tour de France, ends in Berne on Sunday.