Nicolas Roche became just the third Irishman in history to be part of a win at the Tour de France when he helped ensure teammate Chris Froome’s overall victory on yesterday’s final stage of the race into Paris.

Romain Bardet claimed his first ever stage win on yesterday’s 18th stage of the Tour de France as Chris Froome maintained his commanding advantage to move a step closer to a second title in Paris on Sunday.

Running: The inception of the Dublin marathon in 1980 proved to be a catalyst for the original running boom in Ireland, and for Jerry Kiernan, it was a glorious time.

VARIETY is the spice of life, is it not? We should be open to new things and seek to experience as many different activities and places as possible.

Irish cycling fans have reacted strongly to claims they abused members of Team Sky during last Thursday’s 18th stage of the Tour de France to Alpe d’Huez.

Dan Martin has revealed how “gut-wrenching” it was to have gotten sick in the final week of the Tour, which deprived the Irish rider the possibility of a high placing overall, another stage win, or even both.

Only one significant hurdle stands between Chris Froome and Tour de France glory today although it stands 1,655 metres high.

Chris Froome was “quietly excited” last night with the 100th Tour de France his to lose going into the final weekend of the race.

Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford has written to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) offering to open the books on Chris Froome to prove the Tour de France leader is riding clean.

Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford has written to the World Anti-Doping Agency offering to open the books on Chris Froome to prove the Tour de France leader is riding clean.

Chris Froome enjoyed an unexpected bonus with victory in yesterday’s individual time trial to Chorges strengthening his lead in the 100th Tour de France.

The Kerry Group Rás Mumhan takes centre stage this weekend with the 500-plus kilometre stage race attracting a massive field of more than 170 riders.

HAVEN’T they got wings, our men who have been able to climb up to heights where even eagles don’t fly? … Oh Sappey, Oh Laffrey, Oh Col Bayard, Oh Tourmalet! I shall not fail in my duty to proclaim to the world that you are like an insignificant and common beer compared to the Galibier: all one can do before this giant is doff one’s hat and bow.” — French newspaper July 11, 1911.

NICOLAS ROCHE paid for his exertions on Thursday when he came in over 25 minutes down on stage winner Pierre Rolland (Europcar) on yesterday’s gruelling 109 kilometre stage 19 of the Tour de France from Modane to the ski station at Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps.

DEFENDING champion Alberto Contador knows the Alps are where he must strike to win a fourth Tour de France.

IRISH cyclist Nicolas Roche carries a famous name into tomorrow’s Tour de France — but refuses to haul around any extra baggage.

TOPFLIGHT have announced sponsorship of a Ski Weather Forecast which will be presented by Martin King live on TV3 each Wednesday and Thursday at 7.58pm until the end of the ski season in March.

Family members of Natasha Richardson were “very concerned” today after the actress suffered a serious head injury while skiing.

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.

CYRIL DESSEL’S masterly descent of the Col de la Bonette-Restefond clinched the prestigious 16th stage of the Tour de France from Cuneo to Jausiers as Frank Schleck retained the yellow jersey.

LANCE ARMSTRONG took what looks like an unshakeable grip on the yellow jersey in yesterday’s time-trial with a performance worthy of a man about to enter history by becoming the first cyclist to win a sixth Tour de France.

A GROUP of Irish cyclists whose valuable bikes were snatched last week have been given a €50,000 dig out by a British company.

A GROUP of dedicated cyclists may miss out on a chance to compete on the world stage because their valuable bikes have been stolen.

Lance Armstrong became only the fifth man to win three consecutive Tour de France titles in a party atmosphere in Paris today.