Ireland’s Nicolas Roche closed on Chris Froome yesterday, moving joint second in the general classification of the Vuelta a Espana.

An Irish journalist has said he felt “more amused than threatened” after Team Sky boss Dave Brailsford yesterday attempted to block the reporter from the team’s media event over unfavourable coverage of his evasive attitude to the press.

Dave Brailsford has responded to the innuendo and insinuation that Team Sky’s success is built on immoral foundations by pointing to the consistent achievements of the Great Britain cycling team.

Lance Armstrong has claimed he has been made a fall guy for cycling's doping problems and labelled International Cycling Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid "pathetic".