Dan Martin (Garmin-Sharp) and Nicolas Roche (Ag2R La Mondiale) steered clear of trouble on yesterday’s second stage of the Tour de France and crossed the line in the same time as stage winner Mark Cavendish (Sky Procycling).

Ireland’s Dan Martin started his maiden Tour de France with a superb 8th place finish on the opening road stage from Liège to Seraing yesterday.

Belgium’s Tom Boonen won his third Tour of Flanders today after a lively race which saw several riders injured in crashes, not least Swiss Olympic time-trial champion Fabian Cancellara.

The titanic tussle for the 2010 Tour de France title is set to end in Alberto Contador’s favour after the defending champion increased his advantage in today’s penultimate stage.

Sylvain Chavanel reclaimed the race leader’s yellow jersey with victory on stage seven of the Tour de France today.

Fabian Cancellara reclaimed the race leader's yellow jersey as the Tour de France endured another bumpy ride today.

The Tour de France peloton met a second day of destruction as rain-soaked roads wreaked havoc on the second stage from Brussels to Spa.

ALBERTO CONTADOR strengthened his position at the top of the general classification by powering to victory in yesterday’s individual time trial in stage 18 of the Tour de France.

Seven-time champion Lance Armstrong tonight moved level with Fabian Cancellara at the head of the general classification after helping Astana to a team time-trial success on stage four of the Tour de France.

Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara got the better of Tour de France favourite Alberto Contador to triumph in the 15.5km time-trial first stage in the blistering Monaco sun today.

BEING the son of a famous father can have its disadvantages, and it just may have worked against Nicolas Roche in Saturday’s Olympic road race.

Carlos Sastre moved to within touching distance of the Tour de France title after retaining the yellow jersey on the penultimate stage following Saturday’s time trial between Cerilly and St Amand-Montrond.

Filippo Pozzato won the fifth stage of the Tour de France on a photo finish today, while favourite Alexandre Vinokourov lost significant time after crashing.

OVERALL leader Fabian Cancellara claimed a dramatic victory in the 236.5km third stage of the Tour de France between Waregem and Compiegne.

ESTONIAN Jaan Kirsipuu won the first stage of the Tour de France yesterday, edging out Robbie McEwen and Thor Hushovd in a thrilling sprint finish.

Estonian Jaan Kirsipuu won the first stage of the Tour de France today, edging out Robbie McEwen and Thor Hushovd in a thrilling sprint finish.

Lance Armstrong made a strong start to his bid to win a record sixth Tour de France, but had to settle for second place as Swiss rider Fabian Cancellara took the opening prologue stage in Liege, Belgium.