4 hours ago
Jaka Bijol is the cover star and exclusive interview in this weekend's matchday programme as we welcome Brentford to Elland Road for our first Premier League fixture on home soil this season!
In the discussion with the Slovenian international, he looks back at two memorable victories over Nottingham Forest and speaks glowingly about the new additions to the squad.
Priced at £4, programmes are available to buy around the ground ahead of kick-off and can also be purchased online.
The programme contains columns from manager Daniel Farke and captain Ethan Ampadu, as well as club legends Eddie Gray and Stuart Dallas.
You can also find out how our Women's team, Under-21s and Under-18s got on in their opening few matches of the campaign to date.
#road
In the discussion with the Slovenian international, he looks back at two memorable victories over Nottingham Forest and speaks glowingly about the new additions to the squad.
Priced at £4, programmes are available to buy around the ground ahead of kick-off and can also be purchased online.
The programme contains columns from manager Daniel Farke and captain Ethan Ampadu, as well as club legends Eddie Gray and Stuart Dallas.
You can also find out how our Women's team, Under-21s and Under-18s got on in their opening few matches of the campaign to date.
#road
18 hours ago
Luka Doncic recently went viral during the Los Angeles Lakers' roster trip to Slovenia for how fit he looks, but Colin Cowherd isn't impressed and he thinks no one should be.
There have been questions asked about the shape Luka Doncic is in throughout his entire career. Despite being a nearly perennial All-NBA First Team pick, the Slovenian star has at times appeared a tad overweight.
He appeared on the cover of Men's Health magazine last offseason, with the NBA world taking note of his trimmed down physique. This summer, it has gone to another level.
Doncic recently flew all his new teammates out to Slovenia for a Los Angeles Lakers team-bonding trip. Fans noted he was slimmer than ever in photos, but one sports ***** yst isn't too impressed.
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
#angeles #Lakers #team #recently
There have been questions asked about the shape Luka Doncic is in throughout his entire career. Despite being a nearly perennial All-NBA First Team pick, the Slovenian star has at times appeared a tad overweight.
He appeared on the cover of Men's Health magazine last offseason, with the NBA world taking note of his trimmed down physique. This summer, it has gone to another level.
Doncic recently flew all his new teammates out to Slovenia for a Los Angeles Lakers team-bonding trip. Fans noted he was slimmer than ever in photos, but one sports ***** yst isn't too impressed.
Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images
#angeles #Lakers #team #recently
2 days ago
One of the things that Luka Doncic's minicamp for his Los Angeles Lakers teammates allowed them to do is visit and explore Doncic's native country of Slovenia. Outside of basketball and training, several activities were planned, including golf, a bicycle race and a rowing session on Lake Bled.
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt apparently liked his experience in Slovenia. In fact, he told a reporter there that he would like to visit the nation again.
"I would love to [return]," Vanderbilt said. "Not gonna lie, I didn't know much about it before I came here, but it's definitely a spot I will revisit."
In fact, Vanderbilt said he wants to obtain a passport.
"I was looking to get my Slovenian passport," he said. "So we'll see. Might be part Slovenian."
#slovenia #slovenian #fact #Lakers
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt apparently liked his experience in Slovenia. In fact, he told a reporter there that he would like to visit the nation again.
"I would love to [return]," Vanderbilt said. "Not gonna lie, I didn't know much about it before I came here, but it's definitely a spot I will revisit."
In fact, Vanderbilt said he wants to obtain a passport.
"I was looking to get my Slovenian passport," he said. "So we'll see. Might be part Slovenian."
#slovenia #slovenian #fact #Lakers
2 days ago
Tadej Pogacar produced another peerless performance as he soloed to victory from 50km from the finish on the mountainous fourth stage of the Vuelta a Espana.
The Slovenian, who is riding the Vuelta for only the second time in his career and for the first time in seven years, was the overwhelming pre-race favourite and had been widely expected to put the competition to bed in the opening week.
Stage three's cancellation due to severe hailstorms prevented him from making a late raid on the final climb to Font Romeu and delivering that statement of intent.
But he made up for lost time on stage four, attacking on the second of three category-one climbs, the Collada de Beixalis. None of his rivals had any response to his acceleration on the 6.5km, 8.5% climb, and they were left scrapping among themselves for the minor places over the remaining 50km.
Victory in Andorra la Vella marked his longest solo victory at a grand tour, at the only one of the three which he is left to win, and his second in four days, having claimed victory and the leader's jersey on stage one's individual time trial.
#victory #stage #time
The Slovenian, who is riding the Vuelta for only the second time in his career and for the first time in seven years, was the overwhelming pre-race favourite and had been widely expected to put the competition to bed in the opening week.
Stage three's cancellation due to severe hailstorms prevented him from making a late raid on the final climb to Font Romeu and delivering that statement of intent.
But he made up for lost time on stage four, attacking on the second of three category-one climbs, the Collada de Beixalis. None of his rivals had any response to his acceleration on the 6.5km, 8.5% climb, and they were left scrapping among themselves for the minor places over the remaining 50km.
Victory in Andorra la Vella marked his longest solo victory at a grand tour, at the only one of the three which he is left to win, and his second in four days, having claimed victory and the leader's jersey on stage one's individual time trial.
#victory #stage #time
3 days ago
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt might consider a career-changing move after their recent trip to Slovenia to spend time with Luka Doncic.
Doncic invited all his Lakers teammates for the 2026-27 season to his home country of Slovenia, getting to know the players on the massively adjusted roster before a new season.
One of the Lakers players who seemed to have a blast was 27-year-old Vanderbilt, who might be considering a drastic move that a former Lakers teammate made regarding Doncic.
Vanderbilt gave an interview before the Lakers left Slovenia, where he mentioned he is trying to get a Slovenian passport.
"It was amazing… The trip was great. I would love to (come back to Slovenia)… I'm looking to get a Slovenian passport. We'll see. Might be part Slovenian."
#might #move #season #players
Doncic invited all his Lakers teammates for the 2026-27 season to his home country of Slovenia, getting to know the players on the massively adjusted roster before a new season.
One of the Lakers players who seemed to have a blast was 27-year-old Vanderbilt, who might be considering a drastic move that a former Lakers teammate made regarding Doncic.
Vanderbilt gave an interview before the Lakers left Slovenia, where he mentioned he is trying to get a Slovenian passport.
"It was amazing… The trip was great. I would love to (come back to Slovenia)… I'm looking to get a Slovenian passport. We'll see. Might be part Slovenian."
#might #move #season #players
5 days ago
Cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar won the opening stage of the 81st Vuelta/Tour of Spain by the narrowest of margins on Saturday, claiming the red jersey as overall leader for the first time in his career.
The Slovenian edged the short 9.4-kilometre individual time trial in his adopted home of Monaco, beating Britain's Ethan Hayter by nine hundredths of a second.
Pogačar is still missing an overall victory at the Vuelta.
The 27-year-old has dominated cycling in the way Belgian icon Eddy Merckx used to. Pogačar's long list of achievements includes a record-equalling five Tour de France ****** les including in July, two world championship ****** les, victory at the Giro d'Italia and numerous wins in the classics.
At the end of the 3,275-kilometre Vuelta, he wants to stand on the top step of the podium at the finish in Granada. That would mean Pogačar has won all three Grand Tours.
#vuelta #Cycling #tadej
The Slovenian edged the short 9.4-kilometre individual time trial in his adopted home of Monaco, beating Britain's Ethan Hayter by nine hundredths of a second.
Pogačar is still missing an overall victory at the Vuelta.
The 27-year-old has dominated cycling in the way Belgian icon Eddy Merckx used to. Pogačar's long list of achievements includes a record-equalling five Tour de France ****** les including in July, two world championship ****** les, victory at the Giro d'Italia and numerous wins in the classics.
At the end of the 3,275-kilometre Vuelta, he wants to stand on the top step of the podium at the finish in Granada. That would mean Pogačar has won all three Grand Tours.
#vuelta #Cycling #tadej
6 days ago
Where to watch Vuelta a España 2026: Full schedule, start times, channel, live stream for cycling stage race originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Can anyone find a way to beat Tadej Pogacar?
That's the inevitable question as the Slovenian superstar saddles up for La Vuelta a Espana less than a month after winning his fifth Tour de France.
Pogacar has competed in the Vuelta just once before, placing third in the general classification in 2019 as a 20-year-old. His countryman Primoz Roglic took the maillot rojo that year for the first of his four Vuelta wins and is back in 2026 hoping to recapture past glory two years after his most recent triumph.
It will be a tall task for Roglic and other GC hopefuls like Wout van Aert and Richard Carapaz, as Pogacar simply looks unbeatable at the moment. A brutal route packed with climbs and about 58,000 meters in total elevation gain should only help Pogacar, who always seems to find a way to attack as his rivals crack on the ascent.
#vuelta #pogacar #find #preferred
Can anyone find a way to beat Tadej Pogacar?
That's the inevitable question as the Slovenian superstar saddles up for La Vuelta a Espana less than a month after winning his fifth Tour de France.
Pogacar has competed in the Vuelta just once before, placing third in the general classification in 2019 as a 20-year-old. His countryman Primoz Roglic took the maillot rojo that year for the first of his four Vuelta wins and is back in 2026 hoping to recapture past glory two years after his most recent triumph.
It will be a tall task for Roglic and other GC hopefuls like Wout van Aert and Richard Carapaz, as Pogacar simply looks unbeatable at the moment. A brutal route packed with climbs and about 58,000 meters in total elevation gain should only help Pogacar, who always seems to find a way to attack as his rivals crack on the ascent.
#vuelta #pogacar #find #preferred
6 days ago
The Los Angeles Lakers roster is currently in Slovenia on superstar Luka Doncic's invitation. And after some photos from the trip went viral, fans think the 27-year-old is looking good.
Luka Doncic has had to deal with a lot since 2025. Being traded to the Lakers, the subsequent ownership changes in LA, LeBron James' departure, and his own injuries have all been issues.
The Slovenian superstar has often had to deal with questions about his conditioning as well. Despite being a perennial First Team All-NBA member, Doncic has regularly dealt with comments about his weight.
Luka got a lot of love from fans for getting into shape last offseason. However, after recent pictures from his time in Slovenia dropped, the compliments are on a whole different level.
Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images
#luka #doncic #fans
Luka Doncic has had to deal with a lot since 2025. Being traded to the Lakers, the subsequent ownership changes in LA, LeBron James' departure, and his own injuries have all been issues.
The Slovenian superstar has often had to deal with questions about his conditioning as well. Despite being a perennial First Team All-NBA member, Doncic has regularly dealt with comments about his weight.
Luka got a lot of love from fans for getting into shape last offseason. However, after recent pictures from his time in Slovenia dropped, the compliments are on a whole different level.
Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images
#luka #doncic #fans
6 days ago
Where to watch Vuelta a España 2026: Full schedule, start times, channel, live stream for cycling stage race originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Can anyone find a way to beat Tadej Pogacar?
That's the inevitable question as the Slovenian superstar saddles up for La Vuelta a Espana less than a month after winning his fifth Tour de France.
Pogacar has competed in the Vuelta just once before, placing third in the general classification in 2019 as a 20-year-old. His countryman Primoz Roglic took the maillot rojo that year for the first of his four Vuelta wins and is back in 2026 hoping to recapture past glory two years after his most recent triumph.
It will be a tall task for Roglic and other GC hopefuls like Wout van Aert and Richard Carapaz, as Pogacar simply looks unbeatable at the moment. A brutal route packed with climbs and about 58,000 meters in total elevation gain should only help Pogacar, who always seems to find a way to attack as his rivals crack on the ascent.
#sporting #year #full
Can anyone find a way to beat Tadej Pogacar?
That's the inevitable question as the Slovenian superstar saddles up for La Vuelta a Espana less than a month after winning his fifth Tour de France.
Pogacar has competed in the Vuelta just once before, placing third in the general classification in 2019 as a 20-year-old. His countryman Primoz Roglic took the maillot rojo that year for the first of his four Vuelta wins and is back in 2026 hoping to recapture past glory two years after his most recent triumph.
It will be a tall task for Roglic and other GC hopefuls like Wout van Aert and Richard Carapaz, as Pogacar simply looks unbeatable at the moment. A brutal route packed with climbs and about 58,000 meters in total elevation gain should only help Pogacar, who always seems to find a way to attack as his rivals crack on the ascent.
#sporting #year #full
6 days ago
According to Ekipa, Luka Doncic and his teammates held a two-hour workout at Stozice Arena, with Lakers ****** istant coach Greg St. Jean leading the session. St. Jean, one of JJ Redick's ****** istants, is also familiar with Slovenian basketball after previously working with the country's national team at FIBA EuroBasket 2025. The workout marked the Lakers' first practice together during Luka's privately organized trip to his home country.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Luka Doncic and his teammates held a two-hour workout …
#doncic #held #according #ekipa
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: Luka Doncic and his teammates held a two-hour workout …
#doncic #held #according #ekipa
8 days ago
Manchester United are reportedly tracking Ivan Toney and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who could become options should Joshua Zirkzee leave.
Although we're less than two weeks away from the end of the summer transfer window, Zirkzee's future remains unclear.
The Dutchman is considering a mere back-up for Benjamin Sesko, and even with the Slovenian's absence, Michael Carrick could still opt to deploy either Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo in the striker role.
For the past 18 months or so, Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Italian football. Last January, Roma were close to signing the 25-year-old, but in recent weeks, Juventus emerged as the player's most likely destination, which isn't a total coincidence, given how former Roma director Ricky Massara moved to Turin earlier this summer.
Moreover, Napoli are said to be considered a late-summer target for Zirkzee after selling Romelu Lukaku. This would reunite the former Bologna star with fellow Man Utd struggler Rasmus Hojlund, who managed to revive his career in Southern Italy.
#united #jean
Although we're less than two weeks away from the end of the summer transfer window, Zirkzee's future remains unclear.
The Dutchman is considering a mere back-up for Benjamin Sesko, and even with the Slovenian's absence, Michael Carrick could still opt to deploy either Matheus Cunha or Bryan Mbeumo in the striker role.
For the past 18 months or so, Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Italian football. Last January, Roma were close to signing the 25-year-old, but in recent weeks, Juventus emerged as the player's most likely destination, which isn't a total coincidence, given how former Roma director Ricky Massara moved to Turin earlier this summer.
Moreover, Napoli are said to be considered a late-summer target for Zirkzee after selling Romelu Lukaku. This would reunite the former Bologna star with fellow Man Utd struggler Rasmus Hojlund, who managed to revive his career in Southern Italy.
#united #jean
10 days ago
Adam Idah has praised fellow striker Zan Vipotnik's professionalism amid ongoing speculation about the Slovenian's future at Swansea City.
Championship golden boot winner Vipotnik has been the subject of interest from Premier League side Hull City.
The Tigers saw a bid worth around £10m rejected for the 24-year-old international before Vipotnik started against Stoke on the opening weekend.
Idah, who scored the winner at Stoke with his first touch after replacing the former Bordeaux striker, hopes Vipotnik will stay in south Wales.
"He's been brilliant to be fair. He's been really professional. I know what it's like to be in that situation," said Idah.
#stoke #striker
Championship golden boot winner Vipotnik has been the subject of interest from Premier League side Hull City.
The Tigers saw a bid worth around £10m rejected for the 24-year-old international before Vipotnik started against Stoke on the opening weekend.
Idah, who scored the winner at Stoke with his first touch after replacing the former Bordeaux striker, hopes Vipotnik will stay in south Wales.
"He's been brilliant to be fair. He's been really professional. I know what it's like to be in that situation," said Idah.
#stoke #striker
11 days ago
There are still some people who doubt Luka Doncic and his ability to carry a team to the NBA championship, perhaps mostly because he hasn't done so yet. But his basketball abilities are immense and unmatched by very few players in the league today.
His ability to consistently hit contested 3-pointers off the dribble makes him extremely dangerous offensively. While he doesn't shoot a very high percentage overall from 3-point range, NBA 2K27, which will be released to the public on Sept. 4, did show him some love in that category.
The Slovenian superstar was given a 92 rating in 3-point shooting by the video game, and while some disagree with that rating, it is indicative of how potent a shooter he is.
Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 ***** ists and 1.6 steals a game last season while shooting 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from 3-point range. He led the NBA in scoring average for the second time in three years, and he got a bit of MVP consideration.
NBA 2K27 also rated him very high in a somewhat surprising category: ball-handling. He got a 95 rating in that department, which put him sixth overall.
#point #high #overall
His ability to consistently hit contested 3-pointers off the dribble makes him extremely dangerous offensively. While he doesn't shoot a very high percentage overall from 3-point range, NBA 2K27, which will be released to the public on Sept. 4, did show him some love in that category.
The Slovenian superstar was given a 92 rating in 3-point shooting by the video game, and while some disagree with that rating, it is indicative of how potent a shooter he is.
Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 ***** ists and 1.6 steals a game last season while shooting 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from 3-point range. He led the NBA in scoring average for the second time in three years, and he got a bit of MVP consideration.
NBA 2K27 also rated him very high in a somewhat surprising category: ball-handling. He got a 95 rating in that department, which put him sixth overall.
#point #high #overall
17 days ago
Leicester City have signed striker Admir Bristric from Slovenian club Olimpija Ljubljana for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal.
The 23-year-old has represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at youth level and becomes the Foxes' eighth signing of the summer window so far.
Bristric spent last season on loan at Slovenian club Bravo, scoring 10 goals in 24 appearances and helped them secure qualification for the Uefa Conference League.
His arrival follows the recent signings of Wes Burns, Tommy Watson and Liam Cullen as manager Russell Martin builds a new squad at the King Power Stadium .
"I feel proud and amazing to be at such a big club like Leicester," Bristric told Leicester's website.
#bristric #club #leicester #year
The 23-year-old has represented Bosnia and Herzegovina at youth level and becomes the Foxes' eighth signing of the summer window so far.
Bristric spent last season on loan at Slovenian club Bravo, scoring 10 goals in 24 appearances and helped them secure qualification for the Uefa Conference League.
His arrival follows the recent signings of Wes Burns, Tommy Watson and Liam Cullen as manager Russell Martin builds a new squad at the King Power Stadium .
"I feel proud and amazing to be at such a big club like Leicester," Bristric told Leicester's website.
#bristric #club #leicester #year
20 days ago
Benjamin Sesko is poised to return to full fitness in time for Manchester United's season-opener away to Hull City.
The Red Devils kick off their 2026/2027 on Saturday, August 22 in the 12.30pm kick-off and, according to Manchester Evening News' Steven Railston, the Slovenian is in line to make the squad.
Benjamin Sesko is still on track to be fit for the start of the season, so there's no reason to panic. The striker has been stepping up his rehabilitation at Carrington #MUFC
Sesko has been ruled out of all of United's pre-season friendlies thus far due to a shin injury that was re-aggravated when he was barged off the pitch by Ibrahima Konate in last term's home win over Liverpool.
The 23-year-old was hooked at the interval and replaced by Amad Diallo. Little did he – or fans – know that Sesko would not feature again in the remaining three matches.
#sesko #benjamin #hull #august
The Red Devils kick off their 2026/2027 on Saturday, August 22 in the 12.30pm kick-off and, according to Manchester Evening News' Steven Railston, the Slovenian is in line to make the squad.
Benjamin Sesko is still on track to be fit for the start of the season, so there's no reason to panic. The striker has been stepping up his rehabilitation at Carrington #MUFC
Sesko has been ruled out of all of United's pre-season friendlies thus far due to a shin injury that was re-aggravated when he was barged off the pitch by Ibrahima Konate in last term's home win over Liverpool.
The 23-year-old was hooked at the interval and replaced by Amad Diallo. Little did he – or fans – know that Sesko would not feature again in the remaining three matches.
#sesko #benjamin #hull #august
23 days ago
The Los Angeles Lakers have recently been linked with a move for one of Luka Dončić's former Dallas Mavericks teammates. However, before the speculation could gain momentum, one respected league insider swiftly dismissed the possibility.
The Lakers have officially entered a new era centered around Dončić after LeBron James' departure from the franchise. Los Angeles has shifted its focus toward surrounding the Slovenian superstar with the right supporting cast.
Throughout the offseason, the Lakers have been connected to several notable names, including Dončić's former Mavericks teammate P.J. Washington. The speculation intensified after senior NBA writer Marc Jacobs reported that the Lakers and the Mavericks had engaged in trade discussions involving the versatile forward.
Amid this, league insider Evan Sidery revealed that Dallas has been actively making Washington available. That update naturally fueled speculation among fans that Washington could reunite with Dončić in Los Angeles.
However, veteran league insider Jake Fischer quickly dismissed the rumors, making it clear that he has not heard anything to suggest the Lakers are actively pursuing Washington behind the scenes.
#Lakers #former
The Lakers have officially entered a new era centered around Dončić after LeBron James' departure from the franchise. Los Angeles has shifted its focus toward surrounding the Slovenian superstar with the right supporting cast.
Throughout the offseason, the Lakers have been connected to several notable names, including Dončić's former Mavericks teammate P.J. Washington. The speculation intensified after senior NBA writer Marc Jacobs reported that the Lakers and the Mavericks had engaged in trade discussions involving the versatile forward.
Amid this, league insider Evan Sidery revealed that Dallas has been actively making Washington available. That update naturally fueled speculation among fans that Washington could reunite with Dončić in Los Angeles.
However, veteran league insider Jake Fischer quickly dismissed the rumors, making it clear that he has not heard anything to suggest the Lakers are actively pursuing Washington behind the scenes.
#Lakers #former
25 days ago
Newly crowned five-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar will race in this month's Vuelta a Espana in an attempt to win all three of cycling's Grand Tours.
The Slovenian UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider will be the runaway favourite to win the three-week Grand Tour after becoming the joint most successful Tour de France champion of all time last month, alongside fellow greats Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain.
Pogacar won the 2024 Giro d'Italia by nearly 10 minutes, and would become only the ninth rider to win all three Grand Tours in history should he triumph in Spain.
The 27-year-old finished third at the Tour of Spain as a youngster in 2019.
"I'm excited to say I'm going back to La Vuelta," said Pogacar. "It was my first ever Grand Tour back in 2019 and an amazing experience.
#vuelta
The Slovenian UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider will be the runaway favourite to win the three-week Grand Tour after becoming the joint most successful Tour de France champion of all time last month, alongside fellow greats Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain.
Pogacar won the 2024 Giro d'Italia by nearly 10 minutes, and would become only the ninth rider to win all three Grand Tours in history should he triumph in Spain.
The 27-year-old finished third at the Tour of Spain as a youngster in 2019.
"I'm excited to say I'm going back to La Vuelta," said Pogacar. "It was my first ever Grand Tour back in 2019 and an amazing experience.
#vuelta
26 days ago
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is in Europe this offseason, spending time with his daughters while rehabilitating from his hamstring injury.
Doncic missed the entire postseason and the end of the regular season after his left hamstring tore.
Despite talk about Doncic possibly coming back in time for the playoffs, the Slovenian and the Lakers decided against being irresponsible and held him out.
He has been a star for years, but Doncic is only 27 years old, and the organization was intent on protecting his long-term future, which LA hopes will be in purple and gold.
Mar 25, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball down court during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
#star #time
Doncic missed the entire postseason and the end of the regular season after his left hamstring tore.
Despite talk about Doncic possibly coming back in time for the playoffs, the Slovenian and the Lakers decided against being irresponsible and held him out.
He has been a star for years, but Doncic is only 27 years old, and the organization was intent on protecting his long-term future, which LA hopes will be in purple and gold.
Mar 25, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball down court during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
#star #time
1 month ago
Few things in life are certain beyond death, taxes, and Tadej Pogacar winning the Tour de France. This year's Grande Boucle went almost entirely as expected, offering few real surprises or diversions from the status quo, as the marauding Slovenian won another five stages en route to his record-equalling fifth ****** le.
His place in the pantheon of greats had already been cemented and there are few superlatives left to describe his grip on the sport. He is now equal with cycling legends in the form of Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain on five wins; his 26 stage wins leave him nine off the record of Mark Cavendish, who will be wishing he'd postponed retirement by another year or two.
There could have been more had Pogacar not opted to babysit young teammate Isaac del Toro to a stage win, third place on the podium, and the best young rider's jersey too. Pogacar is able to win at will but sometimes seems happier in the role of world's most powerful domestique; perhaps the only thing holding him back from an unprecedented sixth ****** le is whether he can muster the enthusiasm for it. At 27, he is younger than all of his fellow five-time winners were and will be in his prime for a while yet.
But while the Pogacar era looks set to continue for some time, the post-Pogacar era already looks to be one to savour. Those left cold by the two-time world champion's iron grip on the sport can set a reminder to tune in in a couple of seasons' time, or perhaps as early as this autumn's Vuelta, should Pogacar skip it – as expected – to target a third rainbow jersey.
Pogacar seemed to enjoy helping del Toro as much if not more than winning stages (AP)
#pogacar
His place in the pantheon of greats had already been cemented and there are few superlatives left to describe his grip on the sport. He is now equal with cycling legends in the form of Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain on five wins; his 26 stage wins leave him nine off the record of Mark Cavendish, who will be wishing he'd postponed retirement by another year or two.
There could have been more had Pogacar not opted to babysit young teammate Isaac del Toro to a stage win, third place on the podium, and the best young rider's jersey too. Pogacar is able to win at will but sometimes seems happier in the role of world's most powerful domestique; perhaps the only thing holding him back from an unprecedented sixth ****** le is whether he can muster the enthusiasm for it. At 27, he is younger than all of his fellow five-time winners were and will be in his prime for a while yet.
But while the Pogacar era looks set to continue for some time, the post-Pogacar era already looks to be one to savour. Those left cold by the two-time world champion's iron grip on the sport can set a reminder to tune in in a couple of seasons' time, or perhaps as early as this autumn's Vuelta, should Pogacar skip it – as expected – to target a third rainbow jersey.
Pogacar seemed to enjoy helping del Toro as much if not more than winning stages (AP)
#pogacar
1 month ago
It was a seismic story in the middle of the 2025 Tour de France: a senior member of Ineos Grenadiers staff was sent home from the race over alleged links to a German blood-doping ring.
David Rozman was the head carer (soigneur) of the Ineos cycling team, a job which involves all manner of support for riders including nutrition and massage.
The Slovenian had a long ***** ociation with the team, now known as Netcompany-Ineos Cycling Team, stretching back to 2011 when he joined what was then Team Sky during their heyday, as Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome sparked the British team's near-decade of Tour de France dominance under the leadership of Sir Dave Brailsford.
Rozman was first named publicly in relation to the case by The Irish Independent in an article published during last year's Tour. The next day, L'Equipe splashed the Rozman story, and the Ineos head carer's name was published in the British press for the first time two days later by The Times.
It followed an investigative documentary by German broadcaster ARD called Secret Doping: In the Slipstream, broadcast shortly before the Tour began, in which Rozman was not named for legal reasons. The ARD documentary revealed that a member of Ineos staff had allegedly shared messages with a notorious doping doctor, Mark Schmidt, and that some of those messages were used as evidence in Schmidt's criminal trial.
#ineos #tour #france #Cycling
David Rozman was the head carer (soigneur) of the Ineos cycling team, a job which involves all manner of support for riders including nutrition and massage.
The Slovenian had a long ***** ociation with the team, now known as Netcompany-Ineos Cycling Team, stretching back to 2011 when he joined what was then Team Sky during their heyday, as Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome sparked the British team's near-decade of Tour de France dominance under the leadership of Sir Dave Brailsford.
Rozman was first named publicly in relation to the case by The Irish Independent in an article published during last year's Tour. The next day, L'Equipe splashed the Rozman story, and the Ineos head carer's name was published in the British press for the first time two days later by The Times.
It followed an investigative documentary by German broadcaster ARD called Secret Doping: In the Slipstream, broadcast shortly before the Tour began, in which Rozman was not named for legal reasons. The ARD documentary revealed that a member of Ineos staff had allegedly shared messages with a notorious doping doctor, Mark Schmidt, and that some of those messages were used as evidence in Schmidt's criminal trial.
#ineos #tour #france #Cycling
1 month ago
Remco Evenepoel made it back-to-back stage wins at the Tour de France as he marked Belgian national day with victory in a time trial on the banks of Lake Geneva on Tuesday.
Resplendent in the rainbow bands, the world time trial champion completed the 26 kilometre course in a time of 32 minutes 19 seconds, beating Tadej Pogačar by 28 seconds.
He took a small bite out of the Slovenian's commanding advantage in yellow, now 4 minutes 32 seconds, but more importantly opened up a significant gap over Isaac del Toro in the fight for second.
But it was a bittersweet day for Evenepoel's Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe team as Florian Lipowitz, third overall last year and fifth in this Tour at the start of the day, crashed 6 kilometres from the finish and abandoned with an apparent broken collarbone.
When Evenepoel won Sunday's stage 15 atop Plateau de Solaison, it was his first career Tour road stage win, but this was his third time trial success in the world's biggest race. What was a 58-second advantage over Del Toro is now 2 minutes and 19 seconds.
#time #stage #toro
Resplendent in the rainbow bands, the world time trial champion completed the 26 kilometre course in a time of 32 minutes 19 seconds, beating Tadej Pogačar by 28 seconds.
He took a small bite out of the Slovenian's commanding advantage in yellow, now 4 minutes 32 seconds, but more importantly opened up a significant gap over Isaac del Toro in the fight for second.
But it was a bittersweet day for Evenepoel's Red Bull-Bora Hansgrohe team as Florian Lipowitz, third overall last year and fifth in this Tour at the start of the day, crashed 6 kilometres from the finish and abandoned with an apparent broken collarbone.
When Evenepoel won Sunday's stage 15 atop Plateau de Solaison, it was his first career Tour road stage win, but this was his third time trial success in the world's biggest race. What was a 58-second advantage over Del Toro is now 2 minutes and 19 seconds.
#time #stage #toro
2 months ago
Tadej Pogacar delivered a statement victory over the Tourmalet as he retook the yellow jersey on stage six of the Tour de France on Thursday.
Pogacar attacked with a little over four kilometres left of the 17-kilometre climb over the Pyrenean giant, 43km from the end of the stage, and rode clear of his rival Jonas Vingegaard down the descent and up the final climb into Gavarnie-Gedre.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG star took the stage by two minutes 38 seconds from Vingegaard, the 17th time the pair have shared the top two places of a Tour stage, reclaiming yellow from Torstein Traeen and opening up a commanding advantage after starting the day on the same time as Vingegaard.
Traeen, who took yellow on Tuesday, had hoped to carry the jersey into the second week but was distanced less than halfway up the Tourmalet. The advantage of seven minutes 53 seconds the Norwegian held at the start had already disappeared before a crash on the descent piled on the pain.
But ***** ody could have competed with Pogacar on this form. Midway up the Tourmalet the Slovenian, targeting a record-equalling fifth Tour ***** le and third in a row, confidently told the team radio: "I'm good guys, I'm good."
Pogacar attacked with a little over four kilometres left of the 17-kilometre climb over the Pyrenean giant, 43km from the end of the stage, and rode clear of his rival Jonas Vingegaard down the descent and up the final climb into Gavarnie-Gedre.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG star took the stage by two minutes 38 seconds from Vingegaard, the 17th time the pair have shared the top two places of a Tour stage, reclaiming yellow from Torstein Traeen and opening up a commanding advantage after starting the day on the same time as Vingegaard.
Traeen, who took yellow on Tuesday, had hoped to carry the jersey into the second week but was distanced less than halfway up the Tourmalet. The advantage of seven minutes 53 seconds the Norwegian held at the start had already disappeared before a crash on the descent piled on the pain.
But ***** ody could have competed with Pogacar on this form. Midway up the Tourmalet the Slovenian, targeting a record-equalling fifth Tour ***** le and third in a row, confidently told the team radio: "I'm good guys, I'm good."
2 months ago
The German alpine resort of Oberstdorf will host the Nordic skiing world championships for a fourth time, the governing ski and snowboard federation FIS has said.
The FIS said that its council favoured Oberstdorf for the championships in cross country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined over Slovenian bidders Planica.
"I want to congratulate Oberstdorf on a remarkable bid," new FIS president Alexander Ospelt said.
The decision was originally planned for the FIS congress in June but delayed. The announcement now came on the same day as Nordic combined was axed from the Olympic programme for the 2030 Winter Games.
Oberstdorf previously hosted the Nordic worlds in 1987, 2005 and 2021, the latter behind closed doors amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The FIS said that its council favoured Oberstdorf for the championships in cross country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic combined over Slovenian bidders Planica.
"I want to congratulate Oberstdorf on a remarkable bid," new FIS president Alexander Ospelt said.
The decision was originally planned for the FIS congress in June but delayed. The announcement now came on the same day as Nordic combined was axed from the Olympic programme for the 2030 Winter Games.
Oberstdorf previously hosted the Nordic worlds in 1987, 2005 and 2021, the latter behind closed doors amid the coronavirus pandemic.
2 months ago
Defending Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar took victory on stage three of the Tour de France with a late acceleration to the line following a 195.9km route from Granollers to Les Angles.
The Slovenian also acquired the overall lead and yellow jersey after the stage winner's bonus points took him level on time with Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike, who had been in yellow since Saturday's opening stage.
Pogacar took control with around half a kilometre to go, taking Vingegaard and French darling Paul Seixas of Decathlon-CMA CGM by surprise with a blistering attack.
Pogacar was led up the final category three climb by Sunday's stage winner and UAE Team Emirates-XRG team-mate Isaac del Toro of Mexico, who Pogacar had shepherded over the line the previous day while very clearly holding back his own pace.
On a sweltering hot day in the Pyrenees on the border between northern Spain and southern France, fans had been told to stay away from the area around Les Angles at the finish because of wildfires.
The Slovenian also acquired the overall lead and yellow jersey after the stage winner's bonus points took him level on time with Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike, who had been in yellow since Saturday's opening stage.
Pogacar took control with around half a kilometre to go, taking Vingegaard and French darling Paul Seixas of Decathlon-CMA CGM by surprise with a blistering attack.
Pogacar was led up the final category three climb by Sunday's stage winner and UAE Team Emirates-XRG team-mate Isaac del Toro of Mexico, who Pogacar had shepherded over the line the previous day while very clearly holding back his own pace.
On a sweltering hot day in the Pyrenees on the border between northern Spain and southern France, fans had been told to stay away from the area around Les Angles at the finish because of wildfires.
2 months ago
The 2026 Tour de France is officially underway, kicking off with Stage 1 on Saturday, July 4, at the Grand Départ in Barcelona, Spain. Over the next three weeks, the world’s most prestigious cycling race will cover 21 stages, traversing challenging terrain across several countries.
A total of 184 riders representing 23 teams lined up at the start in Barcelona, each aiming to take an early lead and position themselves for the race ahead. Among the competitors is Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar, the reigning champion, who returns to defend his ******* le and pursue a third consecutive Tour de France victory.
The opening stage featured a Team Time Trial spanning the first 12.1 miles of the race. Each rider’s individual time was recorded as they crossed the finish line, but the winner of Stage 1 was determined by the fastest combined team time. This year, Jonas Vingegaard’s Visma-Lease a Bike team claimed victory with a time of 21 minutes and 47 seconds.
Here is the leaderboard after Stage 1.
More: 2026 Tour de France: How to watch, schedule, stages for cycling's top race
A total of 184 riders representing 23 teams lined up at the start in Barcelona, each aiming to take an early lead and position themselves for the race ahead. Among the competitors is Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar, the reigning champion, who returns to defend his ******* le and pursue a third consecutive Tour de France victory.
The opening stage featured a Team Time Trial spanning the first 12.1 miles of the race. Each rider’s individual time was recorded as they crossed the finish line, but the winner of Stage 1 was determined by the fastest combined team time. This year, Jonas Vingegaard’s Visma-Lease a Bike team claimed victory with a time of 21 minutes and 47 seconds.
Here is the leaderboard after Stage 1.
More: 2026 Tour de France: How to watch, schedule, stages for cycling's top race
2 months ago
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tadej Pogačar will start his quest for a record-equaling fifth Tour de France **** le when the race kicks off in neighboring Spain on Saturday.
The elite Grand Tour begins with a team time trial in Barcelona, an opening stage which will take riders past the city’s famous Sagrada Familia basilica and finish with a short climb up a hill overlooking the popular tourist destination.
Pogačar is the overall favorite thanks to his Tour victories in 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025, as well as his strong form this year.
The Slovenian sensation is aiming to join the select crowd of Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spaniard Miguel Indurain and Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault as the only riders to have won cycling's most prestigious race on five occasions.
Jonas Vingegaard is once again his biggest challenger. The Dane took home the yellow jersey in 2022 and 2023 and is aiming to complete the men’s Giro-Tour double.
The elite Grand Tour begins with a team time trial in Barcelona, an opening stage which will take riders past the city’s famous Sagrada Familia basilica and finish with a short climb up a hill overlooking the popular tourist destination.
Pogačar is the overall favorite thanks to his Tour victories in 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025, as well as his strong form this year.
The Slovenian sensation is aiming to join the select crowd of Belgian Eddy Merckx, Spaniard Miguel Indurain and Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault as the only riders to have won cycling's most prestigious race on five occasions.
Jonas Vingegaard is once again his biggest challenger. The Dane took home the yellow jersey in 2022 and 2023 and is aiming to complete the men’s Giro-Tour double.
2 months ago
As Tadej Pogacar arrived in Barcelona seeking a record-equalling fifth Tour de France ***** le, the man he currently shares four such ***** les with quietly faded out of the sport.
Chris Froome rarely got the plaudits Pogacar has received, but won seven Grand Tours, including four yellow jerseys, in a stunning period of dominance that in many ways paved the way for the Slovenian.
It was followed by a rather grimmer second act. Froome was never really the same following his horror crash in 2019, his body irreparably altered by smashing into a wall at 54kmph; then came another sickening crash last year, which had near-fatal consequences. As he conceded in a low-key interview with Belgian broadcaster Sporza, "That was not the way I wanted it to end. But even then, I knew it was over."
It was a muted, sad finish to a starry career. Froome's successor as the dominant Grand Tour rider of his generation – increasingly, of all time – has burned far brighter, but the cautionary tale the Brit offers is that this sort of success can vanish all too quickly. And in cycling, as in any sport, upsets can still happen – few would have predicted that Jannik Sinner, the most overwhelming favourite at the French Open since Rafael Nadal in 2009, would utterly implode.
Cycling has moved on since Froome's era. Visma-Lease a Bike, and latterly UAE Team Emirates-XRG, have taken the "Sky train" model of churning through domestiques, and have run with it, creating an unstoppable monster that controls stages from start to finish – and hoovers up every promising young talent from smaller teams, like the Manchester City of cycling.
Chris Froome rarely got the plaudits Pogacar has received, but won seven Grand Tours, including four yellow jerseys, in a stunning period of dominance that in many ways paved the way for the Slovenian.
It was followed by a rather grimmer second act. Froome was never really the same following his horror crash in 2019, his body irreparably altered by smashing into a wall at 54kmph; then came another sickening crash last year, which had near-fatal consequences. As he conceded in a low-key interview with Belgian broadcaster Sporza, "That was not the way I wanted it to end. But even then, I knew it was over."
It was a muted, sad finish to a starry career. Froome's successor as the dominant Grand Tour rider of his generation – increasingly, of all time – has burned far brighter, but the cautionary tale the Brit offers is that this sort of success can vanish all too quickly. And in cycling, as in any sport, upsets can still happen – few would have predicted that Jannik Sinner, the most overwhelming favourite at the French Open since Rafael Nadal in 2009, would utterly implode.
Cycling has moved on since Froome's era. Visma-Lease a Bike, and latterly UAE Team Emirates-XRG, have taken the "Sky train" model of churning through domestiques, and have run with it, creating an unstoppable monster that controls stages from start to finish – and hoovers up every promising young talent from smaller teams, like the Manchester City of cycling.
2 months ago
Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Levante striker Etta Eyong.
While United are prioritising midfield reinforcements this summer, other positions are also in need of strengthening, including striker.
Benjamin Sesko enjoyed a very positive maiden season in England following his big-money move from RB Leipzig last summer. The Slovenian plundered 11 Premier League goals. No player in the top flight netted more times than him in the second half of the campaign.
Nevertheless, it is imperative that sufficient depth is provided. This matter could take on added urgency in the event that Joshua Zirkzee exits the club. Zirkzee struggled for playing time in the 2025/26 season under both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick.
There has been chatter that a return to Turkey for the Dutchman is on the cards, with the likes of AC Milan, Juventus and AS Roma all said to be interested.
While United are prioritising midfield reinforcements this summer, other positions are also in need of strengthening, including striker.
Benjamin Sesko enjoyed a very positive maiden season in England following his big-money move from RB Leipzig last summer. The Slovenian plundered 11 Premier League goals. No player in the top flight netted more times than him in the second half of the campaign.
Nevertheless, it is imperative that sufficient depth is provided. This matter could take on added urgency in the event that Joshua Zirkzee exits the club. Zirkzee struggled for playing time in the 2025/26 season under both Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick.
There has been chatter that a return to Turkey for the Dutchman is on the cards, with the likes of AC Milan, Juventus and AS Roma all said to be interested.
2 months ago
Screenshot
Stephen A. Smith was stunned by the fact that three of the Los Angles Lakers' top players in the 2026 season were all going to be white.
On Tuesday, ESPN's Shams Charania broke the news that LeBron James informed the Lakers he'd be playing basketball else in 2026. The 41-year-old spent the previous eight seasons in Los Angeles, winning one NBA championship and earning All-NBA honors seven times.
With James gone, the Lakers will be led by 27-year-old Slovenian star Luka Doncic. The team's second option will likely be guard Austin Reaves, who the team signed to a 4-year, $185 million contract last week. The team also acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz.
Reacting to the Lakers' recent moves, Smith argued Wednesday that the Lakers had no chance of winning a championship because their top three players were white.
Stephen A. Smith was stunned by the fact that three of the Los Angles Lakers' top players in the 2026 season were all going to be white.
On Tuesday, ESPN's Shams Charania broke the news that LeBron James informed the Lakers he'd be playing basketball else in 2026. The 41-year-old spent the previous eight seasons in Los Angeles, winning one NBA championship and earning All-NBA honors seven times.
With James gone, the Lakers will be led by 27-year-old Slovenian star Luka Doncic. The team's second option will likely be guard Austin Reaves, who the team signed to a 4-year, $185 million contract last week. The team also acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz.
Reacting to the Lakers' recent moves, Smith argued Wednesday that the Lakers had no chance of winning a championship because their top three players were white.
2 months ago
Ecuador's Piero Hincapie became the second player at the 2026 World Cup to be dismissed for covering his mouth while confronting an opponent, during his side's defeat by Mexico on Tuesday evening.
The ******* nal defender, 24, hid his mouth as he spoke to Mexico's Santiago Gimenez in stoppage time at the end of the second half, with his side losing 2-0 and heading out of the tournament.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic did not see the incident but showed Hincapie a red card after being advised by the video ******* istant referee (VAR) to watch the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Hincapie follows Paraguay winger Miguel Almiron in falling foul of world governing body Fifa's new rule for this tournament. He was dismissed against Turkey in the group stages, but his side held on to win 1-0.
Almiron first player sent off for covering mouth
The ******* nal defender, 24, hid his mouth as he spoke to Mexico's Santiago Gimenez in stoppage time at the end of the second half, with his side losing 2-0 and heading out of the tournament.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic did not see the incident but showed Hincapie a red card after being advised by the video ******* istant referee (VAR) to watch the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Hincapie follows Paraguay winger Miguel Almiron in falling foul of world governing body Fifa's new rule for this tournament. He was dismissed against Turkey in the group stages, but his side held on to win 1-0.
Almiron first player sent off for covering mouth
