Cycling:Showing strong form in his first race of the season, Crédit Agricole rider Nicolas Roche went close to a stage victory on yesterday's fifth stage of the Tour de Langkawi in Malaysia, reports Shane Stokes.

The Irishman was part of a 30-man group which went clear after 75 kilometres, then attacked out of this group with five riders. With 15kms remaining he went clear, being joined by Jose Serpa (Serramenti PVC). He was hauled back four kilometres from the finish, rolling across the line three minutes and four seconds back. Alberto Loddo (Tinkoff Credit Systems) won the bunch sprint. Matthieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) continues to lead overall.