ALBERTO CONTADOR consolidated his position in the yellow jersey after a controlled ride in the Tour de France’s 16th stage won by fellow Spaniard Mikel Astarloza.

Irish rider Nicolas Roche finished an impressive fourth in the Tour de France's 16th stage today.

NICKI SORENSEN broke clear late on from a long-time breakaway group of seven riders to win Stage 12 of the Tour de France as sprint king Mark Cavendish spent a well-deserved day in the peloton.

Franco Pellizotti emerged triumphant from a gruelling final climb to claim the 17th stage of the Giro d'Italia today.

ITALIAN Giuseppe Guerini produced an exceptional display of tactical riding to claim victory on the 153km 19th stage of the Tour de France.