Roche in yellow

CYCLING: Laurence Roche holds the lead in the Dunboyne three-day race with just one stage remaining today. Roche rode into the yellow jersey when he took Saturday's opening 67-mile stage, finishing 20 seconds ahead of his former breakaway companions and a minute clear of the main bunch.

Roche then rode solidly in yesterday morning's 3.6 mile time trial, won by Killorglin rider Barry Woods, and maintained his overall lead going into yesterday afternoon's 60-mile road race.

Finglas Ravens-rider Anto Moran made a brave effort to win the stage, racing clear on the final 13 mile lap, but was reeled in by the main bunch within sight of the finish. Stamullen M Donnelly rider Peter Sharkey took the mass sprint with Roche coming home in the midst of the bunch.

In the Netherlands, Tosh Lavery was best of the Irish at the end of the three-stage International Police Cycling Gala in Kornhorn. The Garda Sub Aqua Unit diver finished 39th, seven minutes behind winner Manfred Ricklan of Germany.

Meanwhile, Paolo Savoldelli won the 85th edition of the Giro d'Italia yesterday, but as in 2001 the race will be remembered more for doping scandals casting their gloomy shadow than for athletic endeavour.

It was the Index team rider's 13th win of his career as he finished the three-week long event one minute and 41 seconds ahead of Tyler Hamilton of the US.

Pietro Caucchioli was third overall 2:12 behind 29-year-old Savoldelli.

Compatriot Mario Cipollini won a sprint finish to take the 21st and final stage of the Giro from Cantu' to Milan. It was his sixth stage win in this year's race.