Nicolas Roche (Ag2r La Mondiale) came close to winning his first ever stage of the Tour de France when he came seventh on yesterday’s third stage from Orchies toBoulogne-sur-Mer in the north of the country.

Vincenzo Nibali retained the lead in the Vuelta a Espana as Peter Velits won today’s individual time trial in Penafiel, his first stage win of the season.

Igor Anton won the fourth stage of the Vuelta a Espana today with Philippe Gilbert finishing fifth to keep hold of the leader’s red jersey.

FRANK SCHLECK surrendered the yellow jersey to team-mate Carlos Sastre as the Spaniard kicked away to a convincing victory on Alpe d’Huez in the 17th stage of the Tour de France.

Slovakia's Peter Velits won the men's under-23 crown at the cycling world championships in Stuttgart, Germany on Saturday.