SPORTS DIGEST: MOTOR SPORT: Sebastian Vettel has slammed as "ridiculous" comparisons to seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher after Sunday's stunning Italian Grand Prix triumph.
"About this comparison to Michael, first of all you have to realise what this guy achieved in the past . . . to compare anyone to Michael is ridiculous," said Vettel.
Contador retains lead as Garcia Dapena takes stage
CYCLING: Spaniard David Garcia Dapena gave the little-known Xacobeo-Galicia team their biggest victory to date by clinching the Tour of Spain's 15th stage yesterday.
Belgian Nick Nuyens finished 17 seconds behind the winner and Juan Manuel Garate of Spain was third, while Alberto Contador of Spain retained the overall lead for a third successive day despite crashing mid-stage.
Nicolas Roche lies 17th overall after finishing 48th yesterday, 14 minutes, 23 seconds behind Garcia Dapena.
Stage 15: 1. D Garcia Dapena (SpaXacobeo ) 5hrs 02mins 27secs. 2. N Nuyens (Bel/Cofidis ) +17; 3. J-M Garate (Spa/Quick-Step ). Overall: 1. A Contador (Spa/Astana ) 61hrs 13mins 48secs; 2. L Leipheimer (US/Astana ) +1:17; 3. C Sastre (Spa/Team CSC ) +3:41.
Huge entry for Fermanagh
EQUESTRIAN SPORT: Necarne Castle international horse trials take place this week in Irvinestown and the Co Fermanagh event has attracted such a large entry that dressage in the two CCI classes will start tomorrow afternoon following the first horse inspection, writes Margie McLoone.
The cross-Channel raiders include Daisy Dick, who was a member of the British bronze medal-winning team at the Olympic Games in Hong Kong, last year's winners Matthew Wright and Lucy Kemplay and John Paul Sheffield, who landed both CCI classes in 2006.
Irish Olympic riders Captain Geoff Curran and Patricia Ryan are contesting the CIC**, where there is also a strong British challenge. However, it may well be a Portuguese flag flying over the walled garden on Sunday, with Kilkenny-based Duarte Seabra having a choice of three rides in this competition. Cross-country action starts at 8.30am on Saturday.
Australia's tour of India in doubt
CRICKET: Australia's cricketers are still waiting to learn whether they will proceed with their planned tour of India following a series of bombings that killed at least 20 people in New Delhi at the weekend.
The Australian government has issued a travel warning about visiting India but said the final decision on whether the players should tour would be left to Cricket Australia.
The third test of the Tour starts in Delhi on October 20th.
Cricket Australia have already asked independent security officials to provide them with information on whether it is safe to tour
