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Kim Kirchen of Luxembourg showed he was back on form by winning the seventh stage of the Tour of Switzerland on Friday.

The Team Columbia rider attacked in the final kilometre of the uphill finish to Vallorbe and passed Roman Kreuziger of the Czech Republic just before the line. Peter Velits of Slovakia was third, seven seconds adrift of Kirchen.

Despite coming under attack several times on the climb to the finish, Slovenia''s Tadej Valjavec of the AG2R team retained the overall race lead.

Switzerland''s Fabian Cancellara is second, nine seconds behind. Compatriot Olivier Zaugg is third at 14 seconds. Kirchen, winner of the 2008 Fleche-Wallone one-day classic, broke his collarbone in a crash during February''s Tour of California and the stage victory provided a timely boost before the Tour de France, which begins in Monaco on July 4.

"This win really boosts my confidence after what I''ve been through," the 30-year-old told reporters. "I''m still a little afraid of crashing again when I''m in the peloton but when I saw it raining this morning I was actually happy because that helps my pollen allergy.

"My form is getting better all the time and it''s just in time for the Tour de France. Last year I was too good in the first week and then faded. This year I hope to reach my peak later and keep my form right until the end of the race," added Kirchen, who wore the leader''s yellow jersey for four days during the 2008 Tour.

Saturday''s 182-km eighth stage of the Tour of Switzerland is from Le Sentier to Crans-Montana.

The nine-day race ends in Berne on Sunday with a 39-km individual time trial.