21.  The Italian took advantage as the three others in the lead group controlled one another in preparation for the final sprint.

22.  The Reds lead group G with six points, with Deportivo one point behind.

23.  But he remounted his bike and heroically pedalled back to the front to finish in the lead group.

24.  By contrast, four members of the Mapei team and three Telekom riders managed to stay in the lead group.

25.  Dos Santos made the decisive break, his surge blowing the lead group apart.

26.  Zulle finished in the lead group, with Englishman Boardman and five-time winner Miguel Indurain in another group further back.

27.  Zulle finished in the lead group with Boardman and Miguel Indurain in another group further back.

28.  South Africa lead group B on runrate ahead of New Zealand and England, all on four points.

29.  Spain, who play bottom-placed United States later on Friday, lead group A with six full points from their first three matches.