Cycling: Pozzato wins in the rain as trespassers cause delays

Italy's Filippo Pozzato claimed victory in Sheffield on the third stage of the Tour of Britain yesterday thanks in part to two great variables of British life - the weather and the traffic.

Pozzato broke away from a lead group after a hazardous ride across Strine Moor in rain and mist. The Australian Mat Goss - who started the day in the yellow jersey - abandoned midway through the race, blaming the effects of the damp weather on a knee injury. Martin Pedersen of CSC reclaimed the race leadership as a result, on what he called a "long, crazy day".

There were several falls, including one that brought down the world champion Tom Boonen. The Belgian recovered to rejoin the race and his Quick Step team hope he will be on the start today in Wolverhampton. Riding was made more difficult by cars trespassing in the traffic-free bubble in which the peloton travels.