CYCLING: Nicolas Roche had a strong ride on yesterday's opening stage of the Four Days of Dunkirk in France.

After 60 of the 161 kilometres, Roche went clear with Claudio Cucinotta (Tenax- Salmilano), Mathieu Sprick (Bouygues Telecom) and Niels Brouzes (Auber 93) and built a maximum lead of six minutes and 40 seconds.

However, Roche and Brouzes were caught with 300 metres to go.

Roche placed 26th. He lies seventh overall after time bonuses, 18 seconds behind stage winner Francesco Chicchi (Quick Step-Innergetic).