How soon before checkmate?

The IOC formally opened an investigation Thursday that could result in Lance Armstrong losing his Olympic bronze medal for doping and Levi Leipheimer losing his medal too.

Giro d'Italia officials earlier today unveiled the route for next year's Giro d'Italia. The Giro route features three time trials along with the usual array of difficult mountain stages.

German John Degenkolb of Team Argos - Shimano triumphantly took his fifth stage victory in this year's Vuelta when he was first to cross the finish line in Madrid.

John Degenkolb powers to fifth stage victory in Madrid ahead of Elia Viviani and Daniele Bennati; Alberto Contador wins 2012 Vuelta a Espana ahead of Alejandro Valverde and Joaquim Rodriguez.

Team RadioShack-Nissan's Daniele Bennati earlier today sprinted to victory in stage 18 of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana beating Ben Swift of Team Sky Procycling and Team GreenEdge's Allan Davis with a convincing performance.

Alberto Contador held on to his advantage after making an audacious break to win the 17th stage of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana earlier today and take the overall lead from Joaquin Rodriguez.

Alberto Contador blasts to stage victory in Vuelta a Espana and takes overall race lead from Joaquim Rodriguez.