Power best of the Irish

Ciaran Power, from Waterford, but representing his Amercan-based team Navigators, was best of the Irish yesterday in Manchester after the first stage of the Tour of Britain.

Quick.Step-Davitamon rider Stefano Zanini won the opening stage of the Tour of Britain, taking the victory in Manchester in a bunch sprint of 78 riders.

The 35-year-old Italian hit the line ahead of Kevin Van Impe (Lotto-Domo), Alejandro Alberto Borrajo (Ceramiche Panaria) and Julian Dean (Credit Agricole), with double Tour de France stage winner Tom Boonen (Quick.Step - Davitamon) finishing fifth and British champion Roger Hammond (Mr Bookmaker.com) sixth and best of the home contingent.