National time trial champion Sylvain Chavanel claimed a third stage win for the host nation and his maiden Tour de France victory in the 165.5-km 19th stage from Roanne to Montlucon. The 29-year-old Cofidis rider, who recently signed a two-year deal to move to Belgian outfit Quick Step, beat out compatriot Jeremy Roy (Francaise des [...]

Frenchman Cyril Dessel won stage 16 of the Tour de France, while Denis Menchov lost crucial time from yellow jersey Frank Schleck on the descent from the highest mountain of the race. AG2R’S Dessel, who wore the yellow jersey for one day and finished sixth overall in 2006, was part of a four-man group that [...]

Even by transfer silly season standards, the Gazzetta dello Sport’s claim that Chelsea are hoping to sign Kaka from Milan for a world record £119 million takes some believing, Tom Williams argues. Quite apart from the ludicrously inflated fee, it is difficult to see where Kaka would fit into the Chelsea system, even if that [...]

Britain’s Lewis Hamilton put McLaren on pole position for engine partners Mercedes’s home German Grand Prix. The 23-year-old will share Sunday’s front row with Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, the Brazilian who is level on 48 points with Hamilton and his own world champion team mate Kimi Raikkonen at the halfway point in the season.
Raikkonen, on pole [...]

Green jersey holder Oscar Freire reasserted his position as the Tour de France’s top sprinter winning stage 14 from Nimes to Digne-les-Bains. The Spanish three-time world champion, who had not won a stage this year, prevailed in a sprint, beating Colombian Leonardo Duque of the Cofidis team.
German veteran Erik Zabel came home third for Milram. [...]