Cycling News

Valverde wins 1st Tour de France stage (AP)

Alejandro Valverde of Spain won the first stage of the Tour de France on Saturday with a ride through flat country, the opening of a three-week race trying to restore its luster after years of doping scandals. He broke away from the pack at the end of the 123-mile leg from Brest to Plumelec and now has the distinction of wearing the leader's yellow jersey.

Tour-Valverde underlines credentials with impressive win (Reuters)

Spain's AlejandroValverde underlined his Tour de France credentials when he tookthe opening stage in impressive fashion on Saturday.

Valverde takes Tour de France opening stage (Reuters)

(adds second and third)

Spaniard Valverde wins Tour de France opening stage (Reuters)

Spaniard AlejandroValverde of the Caisse d'Epargne team won the first stage of theTour de France, a 197.5-km ride from Brest to Plumelec onSaturday.

Tour de France using new rules to fight doping (AP)

The fight against doping will have different rules at this year's Tour de France, with officials sticking closely to the cyclists in a bid to ensure none slips through the testers' net. More random tests before and during the race, an international network of anti-doping resources, a breakthrough in detecting human growth hormone within 24 hours and eight specially trained chaperones to shadow...

Tour-Cancellara favourite again for opening stage (Reuters)

Although there will be noprologue for the first time since 1967, Fabian Cancellara couldstill take the opening stage of the Tour de France raced over197.5 kms from Brest to Plumelec on Saturday.

Spain's Alejandro Valverde wins first Tour de France stage (The Canadian Press)

PLUMELEC, France - Alejandro Valverde has won the first stage of the Tour de France.

Tour de France glance (AP)

A brief look ahead to Saturday's first stage of the Tour de France: Stage: The first Tour since 1967 to start without a prologue takes the 180-rider pack on a 122.7-mile ride through the verdant flats of Brittany from Brest to Plumelec. Yellow Jersey: Defending champion Alberto Contador will not race because organizers did not invite his Astana team for having damaged the Tour's reputation over...

Valverde eyes top-3 finish at Tour (AP)

Alejandro Valverde hopes for a top-three finish at the Tour de France. Sometimes he thinks bigger. "Why not first?" he asks. The 28-year-old Spaniard finished sixth last year, and he will be one of the favorites when the three-week race begins Saturday. Valverde won the Spanish championship and last month's Dauphine Libere stage race.

List of Tour de France winners (Reuters)

Tour de France winnerssince the event was first staged in 1903 (no races during theWorld Wars):