At least one company is benefiting from the global economic crisis: Netherlands-based bicycle maker Accell said on Wednesday it expected higher than expected 2008 profits owing to rising sales.

`Cycling remains popular in economically adverse times,` Accell Group chief executive Rene Takens said in a statement.

At least one company is benefiting from the global economic crisis: Netherlands-based bicycle maker Accell said on Wednesday it expected higher than expected 2008 profits owing to rising sales.

`Cycling remains popular in economically adverse times,` Accell Group chief executive Rene Takens said in a statement.

PARIS, Oct 21, 2007 (AFP) - A foreign truck driver with a forged license faces possible deportation after running over a user of Paris' new self-service bike system, the first fatal crash involving the scheme, officials said Sunday.

The victim, a woman in her sixties, died after being knocked off her rented bike on Thursday night in the southeastern 12th district of Paris.

WASHINGTON, Sept 13, 2007 (AFP) - The Lance Armstrong Foundation set up by the former Tour de France champion to battle cancer is suing an animal charity over dog and cat collars which resemble its yellow wristbands.

Armstrong, a cancer survivor, launched the yellow bands during the 2004 Tour bearing the words 'Livestrong.' They became an instant success, and selling at a dollar a piece, have turned into a huge money-spinner for his foundation.

PARIS, Sept 11, 2007 (AFP) - The United States' third largest city, Chicago, may soon adopt a rent-a-bike scheme similar to the one launched this summer in Paris, mayor Richard M. Daley said during a trip to the French capital Tuesday.

The Democrat mayor, himself a cyclist, said he was 'greatly impressed' with the Paris network of self-service bicycles, which has clocked up more than 3.7 million rides since its launch in mid-July.

LONDON, Aug 9, 2007 (AFP) - London Mayor Ken Livingstone is looking into the possibility of introducing a public bike hire scheme along the lines of one in Paris to promote more sustainable forms of transport, he said Thursday.

'I have seen the Paris Freedom Bike scheme and discussed it with the Mayor of Paris (Bertrand Delanoe). It clearly works and is highly popular,' he said in a statement.

'I have asked transport officials in London to study the Parisian and similar schemes in order to draw up proposals for a scheme which would meet the needs of London.'

PARIS, Aug 7, 2007 (AFP) - A French sports scientist has claimed the famous Tour de France cycling race could be won without doping, adding that cynics ought not to discount top individual performances as evidence of cheating.

Spaniard Alberto Contador's victory in the doping-tainted race on the Champs-Elysees in Paris just over a week ago is shrouded with suspicion even though he was cleared after being named in the Operation Puerto blood-doping scandal in Spain.

BOGOTA, Aug 5, 2007 (AFP) - A doping test on Colombian cyclist Libardo Nino during last month's Pan-American Games in Rio de Janeiro has shown up positive for banned blood-boosting drug EPO.

Nino, who won silver in the individual time-trial event in the Games and is currently taking part in the Tour of Colombia, protested his innocence.

'It's very tough for me,' said Nino. 'Nevertheless I'm not going to be hiding myself away.

ROME, July 27, 2007 (AFP) - Results of the second stage of the Brixia Tour on Friday which was split into two half stages, an 81.5km ride from Esine Plerno to Breno followed by a 98.4km ride from Pian Camuno to Borno.

2nd stage

1st half stage

1. Giovanni Visconti (Italy) in 1hr 41min 19sec, 2. Fabio Baldato (Italy) s.t., 3. Antonio D'Ainello (Italy) s.t., 4. Davide Rebellin (Italy) s.t., 5. Daniele Pietropoli (Italy) s.t.

2nd half stage

ANGOULEME, France, July 27, 2007 (AFP) - Frenchman Sandy Casar picked himself up after crashing into a stray dog to finally end his victory drought on the Tour de France, winning the 18th stage over 211 km here on Friday.

Discovery Channel's Alberto Contador retained the yellow jersey with a 1min 50sec lead on Australian Cadel Evans, and 2:49 on his American teammate Levi Leipheimer.