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Evenepoel, what ambition for the third man?

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Starting without much certainty on the Grande Boucle, the Belgian prodigy should remain in the shadow of the Pogacar-Vingegaard duel. Unless he surprises his people again.

Remco Evenepoel is a man of blows. A young man of big shots, even. Already a double world champion (road race in 2022, time trial in 2023), crowned in the Vuelta (2022), double crowned in a Monument (Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2022 and 2023)… we need no introduction the latest phenomenon of Belgian cycling. So it’s obviously an event to see him start the Tour de France (June 29-July 21) for the first time. For the public, as for him, moreover.

«Running the Tour de France is the dream of every child who falls in love with cycling, already enjoying the 24-year-old runner. It’s a moment I’ve dreamed of since my first laps of the wheel and I’m very excited to take the start for the first time with this great team.” A team (Quick-Step-Alpha Vinyl) where he will be orphaned by Julian Alaphilippe, for whom he had campaigned, but where he will be surrounded by a close guard of compatriots, including the road captain Yves Lampaert, and the experienced climber Mikel Landa. An anything but haphazard presence from the Basque, so much so that training director Tom Steels took care to point out that the team had something “to play overall both with Remco and with Mikel» So, what will Remco Evenepoel really play?

«The underdog role suits him perfectly to begin withnotes Franck Alaphilippe, cousin and coach of Julian Alaphilippe, and former coach of the Belgian team. This will allow him to approach the race with less pressure..” The native of Schepdaal, an attraction in his own right, will still be eagerly awaited for this particular 2024 edition. Some were also quick to note the presence of two times, including a final between Monaco and Nice, as if to finally attract the Belgian. “Of course, I hope to have a good Tour and have nice results, but let’s not forget that these are my debut in this race which is as beautiful as it is difficult.», notes the world champion in the specialty, who will show off his iridescent jersey in Nice on July 21.

Violent fall in April

Unless the jersey is yellow? Accustomed like all great runners to distinctive jerseys, the one who has already worn the pink of the Giro (2022), the red of the Vuelta (2022) could well enjoy a few days in yellow after a first ride in the mountains from Galibier towards Valloire (4th stage), and especially on the evening of Friday July 5, scene of the first time trial between Nuits-Saint-Georges and Gevrey-Chambertin (25 km, 7th stage).

«It’s not necessarily an advantage to have a time so early, warns Franck Alaphilippe. Knowing him, he will do everything to the fullest, but let’s not forget that it’s much more complicated behind. This time so early in the race is a bit of a double-edged sword.” Especially since the competition, embodied by the extraterrestrials Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, without forgetting Primoz Roglic, Olympic time trial champion in Tokyo, are not exactly rounds in the exercise. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

A competition with whom he shares the misfortune of a preparation disrupted by a violent fall at the beginning of April, during the Tour of the Basque Country. If the unknown remains about the outgoing double winner Vingegaard, the most violently affected and who will resume competition with the Tour, the Belgian was treated more quickly before returning to training, on the occasion of an altitude training course, necessary to make up the difference that separates him from the best in the mountains. What followed was a mixed first participation in the Critérium du Dauphiné (7th), where he remained at a distance from Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike) despite his stage victory on… the time trial, obviously. “He finished a little just after the Dauphiné, notes the former coach of Patrick Lefévère’s training. This is not necessarily bad news, because he is now aware of his shortcomings

Workaholic

A runner with a volcanic temperament, Evenepoel is no less a methodical runner. A workaholic, he left to drag his imposing thighs on the roads of France to reconnoiter the Tour route. As he did the day after Christmas, where he was seen in Haute-Marne, around Colombey-les-Deux-Eglises (finish of the 8th stage) and Troyes, scene of the tricky stage known as “the white paths” (9th stage).

The Belgian experienced the joys of the Yellow Jersey for the first time during the Critérium du Dauphiné. A taste of July? THOMAS SAMSON / AFP

Obligatory recognition for the phenomenon… which had never been driven in France before 2024. “The years go by, so it’s the right time for him to discover the Tourassures Franck Alaphilippe. So far, he has managed his career well in a methodical, step-by-step manner. He had a good approach by soaking up the ASO races (Paris-Nice and Critérium du Dauphiné) before entering the Tour.»

Not necessarily successful in these two events, where he was beaten each time by the American Matteo Jorgenson, who will be part of the armada around Vingegaard, Evenepoel arrives without real certainties on the starting line in Florence this Saturday. Without really proven objectives, either. “The idea is to discover the race, take it day by day and see where it will take us», swears the accustomed to outbursts, not without a hint of tongue in cheek. As if to better blur the lines.

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SAD|| 10 Players Who Lost Everything After Divorce, Number 5 Will Shôck You

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The Hidden Financial Struggles of Footballers: Divorce’s Costly Toll

The glamorous image of professional footballers, with their luxurious lifestyles and multimillion-dollar contracts, often obscures a harsh reality: the financial devastation many endure through divorce. Behind the fame and fortune, several high-profile players have seen their wealth significantly depleted after parting ways with their spouses, a stark reminder that no amount of money can fully shield one of the financial pitfalls of personal relationships gone awry…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

One of the most shocking examples is that of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué, who lost not only his properties in England but also custody of his children following a bitter divorce. Despite earning millions during his career, Eboué found himself stripped of almost everything. His situation became a cautionary tale, underscoring that even the wealthiest footballers can fall victim to the financial ruin that divorce can bring.

Eboué is not alone. Football legends such as Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs have also experienced significant financial losses due to divorce. Henry reportedly paid £10 million to his ex-wife, while Giggs parted with an astonishing £40 million after his marriage ended. Louis Saha and Wes Brown, both former Manchester United players, also suffered substantial financial hits, with Brown declaring bankruptcy despite earning £50,000 per week during his time at the club. His case highlights how even vast earnings can quickly evaporate when faced with legal settlements and financial mismanagement.

David James, the former England goalkeeper, faced a particularly dire situation, losing much of his fortune after divorce and being forced to auction his personal belongings to make ends meet. Similarly, Ray Parlour, another Arsenal great, saw his ex-wife receive half of his £10 million fortune, including a £2.5 million house. Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool star, also faced a hefty settlement, parting with half of his estimated £15 million fortune after his marriage ended.

These are just a few of the many footballers who have faced financial disaster due to divorce. Keith Gillespie, once a key figure in the Premier League, lost over £7 million, leading to his bankruptcy in 2010. Despite earning significant wages during his career, his divorce and poor financial decisions left him in financial ruin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Perhaps the most shocking case is that of Tendai Ndoro, a Zimbabwean striker who lost everything after registering all his properties in his wife’s name. Following their breakup, she kicked him out of the house, leaving him with nothing. Ndoro’s story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of not protecting one’s assets, even in relationships where trust is implicit.

For footballers, whose careers often peak early, these financial setbacks can be devastating. While their salaries are among the highest in professional sports, the combination of short career spans, legal fees, and divorce settlements can quickly erode their fortunes. Many players also face additional challenges in managing their finances due to a lack of financial education or oversight during their playing years.

These stories underscore the importance of safeguarding personal wealth, especially for high-earning individuals like footballers, who may be more vulnerable to financial upheaval. Proper financial planning, asset protection strategies, and prenups are increasingly necessary tools for protecting one’s earnings and securing a stable future.

In conclusion, while the public sees footballers as insulated by their wealth, the reality is that they are just as susceptible to the financial hardships of divorce as anyone else. The personal struggles behind the scenes reveal that their lives, though glamorous on the surface, are often fraught with the same vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ordinary individuals. These cases serve as sobering reminders that financial security is never guaranteed, even for those at the pinnacle of success.

 

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NFL | The best was yet to come, and then no

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In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.


Posted at 1:13 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.

The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.

Well, no.

As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.

The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.

In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.

Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.

Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.

You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.

PHOTO MIKE STOBE, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh

It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).

We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.

In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.

It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.

Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.

First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »

We all see what you did, Luc.

Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »

You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »

We are Marco.

It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.

Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.

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A young badminton player realizes his deceased father’s dream

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Only 13 years old, badminton-player-honors-fathers-dream-at-nationals/” title=”13-year-old Saskatchewan badminton player honors father’s dream at nationals”>Gautham Sumesh is preparing to realize the dream of his father, who died six months ago: he will soon participate in the National Badminton Championship.

My father was really addicted to badmintonrecalls the Saskatchewan teenager. He really liked that I played.

Gautham Sumesh has been playing badminton since he was old enough to handle a racket. The first time he managed to beat his father, Sumesh Pulavathil, he was offered a drink to celebrate the event.

Sadly, Sumesh Pulavathil died in a road accident near Estevan last October.

Despite the tragedy, the teenager continues to carry his family’s dreams: Gautham Sumesh won the provincial championships this year and is preparing to participate in the National Championship in New Brunswick.

He would be really happyhe believes.

Dreaming of badminton

The young player’s parents left India in 2022 in the hope that their son would become a top badminton player.

: Gautham badminton”,”text”:”When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badminton”}}”>When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badmintonexplains the latter’s mother, Gayathri Ramdas. It is the foundation of our family life.

Her husband put everything in place to help his son play. He bought him shoes and racquets, in addition to devoting many hours to coaching him and other children.

Sumesh Pulavathil (front) was an avid badminton player. (Archive photo)

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Although the family was devastated by Sumesh Pulavathil’s death, there was never any question of the teenager quitting badminton. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Since the death of his father, Gautham Sumesh has undergone intensive training, particularly in preparation for the provincial competition which took place in April.

He remembers that no one knew him when he started competing provincially, but that changed after his victory at the provincial championship.

: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”,”text”:”After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job! “Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”}}”>After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with meexplained Gautham Sumesh.

A portrait of Sumesh Pulavathil (far left) and his family.

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Despite his son’s success in the championship, Gayathri Ramdas believes the victory was bittersweet due to his father’s absence.

Despite everything, she watched her son grow up and demonstrate the values ​​of sportsmanship and good play that she and her husband wanted to instill in him, as he harbored ambitions of becoming a professional badminton player.

I’m little by little catching up on all the dreams we had.

With information from Janani Whitfield

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