The Sports Matrix: Friday 13 July 2012

Wiggins extends lead as Froome moves into second

The race leader, Bradley Wiggins, enjoyed another fine day on the Tour, tightening his grip on the yellow jersey and being joined by his team-mate Chris Froome in the top two places on the leaderboard.

The Frenchman Pierre Rolland won yesterday's stage, Froome's third place aiding the cause of his Team Sky colleague Wiggins and helping Great Britain into a one-two overall. The defending champion and previous nearest challenger, Cadel Evans, made a brave attempt to attack on the stage's second pass, but was unable to sustain his challenge and finished over 90 seconds back on Froome and Wiggins. The Australian ended the stage in 11th, dropping to fourth overall and trailing by more than three minutes.

"We've taken more time on Evans than I ever expected," Wiggins said. "I was even more surprised at the way he attacked. It's not something I would have had the balls to do. It was definitely the hardest stage. When I got on to the last climb, all I felt was relief." MORE

Ferguson looking for more signings

After unveiling new signings Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he hoped for more new arrivals. "We could possibly bring one or two more in," he said. "Now the Euros are over we're trying to bring someone in." MORE

Bellamy eyeing Cardiff reunion

Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy is considering a return to hometown club Cardiff as Reds manager Brendan Rodgers nears the transfer of Fabio Borini. Bellamy, also interesting QPR, could return to the Welsh club where he spent a season on loan in 2010/11. MORE

De Villiers: I will always wear helmet

AB de Villiers has emphasised the importance of a helmet while wicketkeeping as he prepares to replace Mark Boucher for South Africa. "I always try and wear a helmet unless it's really low and slow," he said. Boucher retired this week after his eyeball was lacerated by a bail. MORE

Greene: Athletes can reach target

Team GB's athletics captain, Dai Greene, says the hosts can meet coach Charles van Commenee's target of eight medals. "Eight seems very fair. I think we will attain it," he said. "This is one of our best teams in a long time. We have a mix of youngsters and experience." MORE

Woodgate ready to help Boro' back up

Jonathan Woodgate insists he has not taken a downward step in rejoining second-tier Middlesbrough. "I could have stayed in the Premier League but coming back was a big pull for me," he said. "I want to try and get them back up." MORE

Dawson seeks a change of fortune

Michael Dawson hopes for a more positive season at Spurs after missing most of the last one with an ankle injury. "A new manager has come in and I'm just glad to be out there," he said, "trying to show him what I can do, like everyone else." MORE

Molinari storms into early Scot lead

Francesco Molinari made a sublime start to the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart, a 10-under 62 giving him a two-shot lead. Alejandro Canizares sits on eight under, while world No 1 and defending champion Luke Donald is three shots further back. MORE

Haye adds weight to the argument

David Haye dismissed Dereck Chisora's weight advantage as the pair weighed in at Upton Park ahead of tomorrow's fight. "If you took off all of Chisora's fat he would be lighter than me," Haye said. "He thinks that fat will win him the fight." MORE

Interview: Chris Froome

"At weekends, my mother would take me to the Great Rift Valley road, which is very bush. You're riding with animals. I went to a Tour and we went past elephants, lions... it's just normal there." MORE