Mikel Nieve claimed the 16th stage of the Vuelta a Espana today while his fellow Spaniard Joaquin Rodriguez regained the overall lead.

NICHOLAS ROCHE continues to ride exceptionally well as leader of his Ag2R Mondiale team in the Tour de France, finishing in 20th place yesterday on stage 12, just 31 seconds behind stage winner Joaquin Rodriguez (Team Katusha).

ANDY SCHLECK has laid down the gauntlet to Alberto Contador as the race for the Tour de France became a duel following yesterday’s second Alpine stage.

Mark Cavendish today completed the fifth stage of the Tour de Suisse, a day after being involved in a mass pile up.

Francesco Chicchi (Liquigas-Doimo) emerged victorious from a sprint for the line to win the fourth stage of the Tour of California.