THIS is an interesting time in the world of wine.

THERE was a time when around 70% of the wine we bought was from France but those days are long gone.

ALTHOUGH increasing numbers of us buy our wine at the supermarkets, this week I want to encourage you to remember the independent wine shops who can often provide more variety and unusual styles.

Tour de France leader Bradley Wiggins believes the sabotage of stage 14 yesterday – when tacks on the road caused a number of punctures in the peloton – showed how vulnerable riders are on the road and more severe incidents could yet occur.

NICOLAS ROCHE’S goal of a top-10 finish in this year’s Tour de France is over after a nightmare day on Saturday when he conceded almost seven minutes to his main rivals and dropped back from 11th to 18th on the overall classification.

Mark Cavendish today continued his irrepressible march to greatness with a fourth victory of the 2011 Tour de France.

The Tour de France's overall favourites fought out a stalemate on the final day in the Pyrenees as Belgium's Jelle Vanendert claimed victory at Plateau de Beille.

Garryowen got off to a flying start in the International Amateur Tournament in France by winning their opening game against Languedoc/Roussillon 20-6 in Limoux near Carcassonne.

AIB League champions Garryowen will travel to France to represent Ireland in the Languedoc-Roussillon amateur international rugby tournament, which is taking place from September 3-15.