Katusha’s Luca Paolini launched a late attack to win the third stage of the Giro d’Italia and take the leader’s pink jersey.

Dan Martin ended Ireland’s 21-year wait for a classic win when he claimed the Liege-Bastogne-Liege crown in Belgium yesterday.

Giro d'Italia champion Ryder Hesjedal abandoned the Tour de France ahead of stage seven today.

Giro d’Italia champion Ryder Hesjedal abandoned the Tour de France ahead of stage seven today.

Defending champion Cadel Evans and rival Bradley Wiggins successfully negotiated a crash-strewn first week of the Tour de France as some of their rivals for the Paris podium saw their hopes come to an end on stage six to Metz.

Defending champion Cadel Evans and rival Bradley Wiggins successfully negotiated a crash-strewn first week of the Tour de France as some of their rivals for the Paris podium saw their hopes come to an end on stage six to Metz.

World champion Thor Hushovd today claimed his second stage win of the 2011 Tour de France with victory in a sprint finish in Gap.