Sports in brief

CYCLINGLance blows a tire

Lance Armstrong's hopes for victory in his final Tour de France hit a setback yesterday when a burst tire cost him time during a jarring stage over cobblestones from Belgium to France that was won by Norway's Thor Hushovd.

Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland finished the third stage in a five-man group behind Hushovd, but he regained the yellow jersey he ceded a day earlier to Sylvain Chavanel of France. The 132-mile ride was the most dreaded stage of week one - with seven sections of bone-jarring cobblestones that threatened injury, bike damage or lost time for contenders.

TRACK & FIELDSemenya clears gender test

Caster Semenya was cleared to return to track by the sport's governing body, ending an 11-month layoff while she underwent gender tests after becoming the 800-meter world champion. The International Association of Athletics Federations said medical details of the 19-year-old South African's case would remain confidential.

WNBA

Liberty loses to Storm

Swin Cash had 20 points and 11 rebounds to help the host Seattle Storm beat the Liberty 78-70. Taj McWilliams-Franklin led the Liberty (7-9) with 20 points and 10 rebounds. - AP