Republic of Ireland manager Gerry Smith has given his Under-20s squad a day off today following an impressive 2 - 0 victory over an Al Ain club reserve side last night in the run-up to their first game of the World Youth Championships against Saudi Arabia in Al Ain on Saturday (kick-off 1.45 p.m. Irish time).

Igor Gonzalez Galdeano, who has led the Tour de France for the last six stages, has tested positive for the restricted substance salbutamol.

GERMAN sprint-meister Erik Zabel put paid to any suggestions his powers are fading as he won stage six of the Tour de France.

German sprint-meister Erik Zabel today put paid to any suggestions his powers are fading as he won stage six of the Tour de France.