Oliphant overhauled on Tyne

THE Tour of Britain visits Scotland today, but it was yesterday, on the sixth stage from Darlington to Gateshead, that delivered the best chance so far of a win for one of the two Scots in the race.

It was the less well-known of the pair, Evan Oliphant, who ignited the 96-mile stage by attacking as the flag was dropped on the outskirts of Darlington. The Wick rider was joined by three other riders, Bradley McGee, Pete Williams and, after a lone pursuit, Diego Caccia.

They raced to a lead of six minutes and looked a good bet to stay clear until Alessandro Petacchi, the Italian sprinter, sent two of his LPR team to the front to start clawing the quartet back.

And it was Petacchi who emerged at the front of the peloton to win the stage, with the British champion Rob Hayles second. Geoffrey Lequatre of France retained the leader's yellow jersey.

"I was keen to have a go today," said Oliphant, "but it was brutal out there." Perhaps the other Scot, David Millar, will shine today on a stage that starts from Glasgow Green at 10.15am and finishes at Drumlanrig Castle.