A group of cyclists — including RTÉ’s southern editor Paschal Sheehy — will today set out on a gruelling 1,000km trip from Cork to Geneva to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation.

THE WEATHER here in west Cork is much warmer than the weather we left behind in Barcelona. It was evident from the time we stepped off the plane, in Dublin, and headed for Heuston Station, to entrain for the south.

Bradley Wiggins is already seeking further glory after yesterday celebrating the greatest achievement of his career as the first British winner of the Tour de France.

Bradley Wiggins is hours away from sealing an historic Tour de France victory that would place him firmly in the pantheon of British sporting greats.

Bradley Wiggins was overcome with emotion after moving on to the verge of achieving a lifelong goal of victory in the Tour de France.

Bradley Wiggins is set to become the first British winner of the Tour de France after winning the stage 19 time-trial to Chartres.

Nicolas Roche came agonisingly close to winning his first ever stage of the Tour de France yesterday but was overhauled in the closing metres before the finishing line in Brive-la-Gaillarde by Team Sky’s fast-man Mark Cavendish.

“I think this year we focused too much on the peas and not enough on the steak.”

A sensational sprint finish saw Mark Cavendish claim the 22nd Tour de France stage success of his career in Brive-la-Gaillarde today.

Bradley Wiggins has admitted Team Sky colleague Chris Froome would be his biggest rival for Tour de France glory — if the Britons were on rival teams.

HARD facts first.

FRENCH champion Thomas Voeckler relieved Lance Armstrong of the yellow jersey after the 200 kilometre fifth stage of the Tour de France from Amiens to Chartres.

LANCE ARMSTRONG seized control of the yellow jersey for the first time during his pursuit of a record sixth Tour de France title yesterday, thanks to a display of unmatched power and discipline in the team time-trial from his US Postal outfit.

Lance Armstrong seized control of the yellow jersey for the first time in his pursuit of a record sixth Tour de France title today after his team's time-trial success.

Irish Davis Cup man Kevin Sorensen won through to the second round of the Italian Futures Tournament in Teramo, beating Alex Vittur (Italy) 7-5 6-2.

THE IAAF are trying to trace a Moroccan athlete who tested positive for a banned substance at Cork City Sports last July.

THE clash of two well-regarded colts, Rock Of Cashel and Grey Swallow, from two powerful yards, in the GPT Access Equipment Maiden promises a cracking start to the Galway Festival this evening.