KARLSRUHE, Germany -- Robbie McEwen of Australia won for the second time in three days, taking the seventh stage of the Tour de France, while six-time defending champion Lance Armstrong held on to the overall lead.

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The day's event started in Luneville, France, before crossing into Germany and ending in Karlsruhe.

McEwen outsprinted Sweden's Magnus Backstedt to the finish line to come away with the seventh stage win of his career and second this year. He completed the 142-mile stage in 5:03:45.

McEwen, who also won the fifth stage, has had an up-and-down week. On Monday, he was disqualified and dropped to last for failing to maintain a straight line during the sprint to the finish.

Meanwhile, Armstrong won his fourth consecutive yellow jersey and 69th of his career by staying with the pack and maintaining his 55-second lead over Discovery Channel teammate and fellow American George Hincapie.

There were no changes in the top five overall spots. Alexandre Vinokourov of Kazakhstan is one minute and four seconds behind Armstrong, while Germany's Jens Voigt trails Vinokourov by just two seconds. American Bobby Julich trails the leader by one minute and seven seconds.

Saturday's stage begins in Pforzheim, Germany, but will head back into France and end Gerardmer. Much of the 143.8-mile trek will take place in the Vosges Mountains.