Russian rider Alexandr Kolobnev has failed a doping test during the Tour de France, cycling’s world governing body announced tonight.

Rui Costa won today’s eighth stage of the Tour de France as Thor Hushovd retained the yellow jersey as the race entered the Massif Central.

ALBERTO CONTADOR emerged from a mist-shrouded Col du Tourmalet yesterday with his Tour de France race lead intact and one foot on the top of the Paris podium.

Italy's Paolo Bettini capped a turbulent week by retaining his rainbow jersey in the elite men's road race at the cycling world championships in Stuttgart, Germany on Sunday.

Ireland's Ciaran Power came 13th in the men's raod race in Athens today.