Lunchtime Sports Update

Defending Tour de France champion Egan Bernal has pulled out of the race ahead of mammoth stage 17 in the Alps - which started in the last half hour.

The Team Ineos rider was 16th overall - 19 minutes and four seconds behind the race leader.

Bernal says pulling out early was the "right decision" for him in the circumstances.

Ireland's Sam Bennett is with the peleton and holding a 45 point lead with the green jersey in the points classification.

RACING

President Michael D Higgins has paid tribute to Pat Smullen after his death from cancer at the age of 43.

The President said that the jockey’s "remarkable performances at home and abroad brought joy to so many".

SOCCER

Aston Villa have signed goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from Arsenal on a 4 year deal.

The 28-year-old Argentine has signed a four-year deal at Villa Park, moving for a reported fee of 21 million euros.

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There's another five Premier League clubs involved in second round action of the E-F-L Cup including all three newly promoted clubs.

At 6PM - West Brom welcome Harrogate while at 7, Fulham kick-off away to Ipswich Town.

At 7:45 Leeds United entertain Yorkshire rivals Hull City and Southampton host Brentford.

in the late kick-off at 8:15 - Everton entertain League Two side Salford at Goodison Park.

GOLF

Rory McIlroy feels a good opening round will be key to his chances at the US Open this week.

He hasn't won one of golf's majors since 2014.

McIlroy thinks he's been putting himself under too much pressure before his opening 18 holes at tournaments.