Belgian rider Thomas De Gendt claimed his second stage victory in Tour de France with dominant performance throughout Saturday's eighth stage, while local favorite Julian Alaphilippe got back the yellow jersey ahead of the Bastille Day. 

De Gendt rode away immediately after the 200km stage from Macon started alongside three other riders, and was the last survivor of the leading quartet not to be caught by the peloton. The Belgian went on to cross the finish line first in Saint-Etienne, France. 

De Gendt said, "I almost crashed in a few corners but I made it. It hurts so much but it's wonderful. It's also mission accomplished for the team." 

Alaphilippe and compatriot Thibaut Pinot staged a late attack, but failed to overturn their deficit from De Gendt, both finishing six seconds behind. 

The 27-year-old former soldier Alaphilippe has erased his six-second deficit from the Italian debutant Giulio Ciccone.  

Instead, the Frenchman currently builds on a 23-second advantage atop the overall standings, and embraces for the Bastille Day with yellow jersey back. 

"I couldn't dream of anything better than riding in yellow jersey on Bastille Day tomorrow," admitted Alaphilippe. 

Pinot trails Alaphilippe by 53 seconds on third. It's the first time that two Frenchmen have made into the top three of the tournament since Thomas Voeckler and Sandy Casar in 2004. 

Ciccone, sitting in between home riders, retains his white jersey representing the best young rider. 

Defending champion Geraint Thomas was involved in a crash with 17km remaining along with several of his Ineos teammates, placing fifth overall and 1:12 behind Alaphilippe. 

Slovakia's Peter Sagan, finishing fifth in the stage, keeps his sprint green jersey with a comfortable lead. 

Starting from Saint-Etienne, Sunday's ninth stage will cover 170.5km en route to Brioude.