France's health minister says French President Nicolas Sarkozy fainted while jogging Sunday at a presidential residence outside the capital and was hospitalized for medical tests.

French Health Minister Roselyne Bachelot says the vasovagal episode was "small" and she was sure Sarkozy was watching the final leg of the Tour de France cycling race. Prime Minister Francois Fillon returned early from a weekend outside Paris.

A vagal episode can be caused by strenuous exercise when it is very hot. It can lead to a temporary loss of consciousness but usually is not serious. It is named for the vagus nerve which slows down the heartbeat and reduces arterial tension. The brain suddenly gets less oxygen causing the malaise.

Sarkozy, 54, was elected in 2007. He is regularly seen running and is a cycling enthusiast. He also is known for being a fan of French football club Paris Saint-Germain.