IRELAND’S Mark Scanlon played a critical role in helping AG2R team-mate Jean-Patrick Nazon win yesterday’s third stage of the Tour de France from Waterloo in Belgium to Wasquehal in France.

Frenchman Jean-Patrick Nazon produced a superb sprint finish to claim the third stage of the Tour de France today.

Australian Robbie McEwen burst clear of his challengers in the finishing straight to ride into Namur ahead of the peloton and claim the second stage of the Tour de France.

A COLOMBIAN rider claimed the yellow jersey for the first time in Tour de France history yesterday as Lance Armstrong’s US Postal team took a firm grip on the centenary running of the world’s most famous cycling race.

ALESSANDRO PETACCHI blasted to his second stage victory in three days yesterday, but Jean-Patrick Nazon is sure to be the toast of France as the Tour moves into its fifth day.