SPORTS

Favorites, French chances, record… the 2024 edition in ten questions

Published

5 months ago

June 28, 2024

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On the eve of the start of the 111th edition of the Grande Boucle in Florence, the sports editorial team of Le Figaro answers the various questions before the start.

Departure in Florence, arrival in Nice, the 2024 edition of the Tour de France is bound to be unique. With a 5-star field among the favorites, the 111th edition of the Grande Boucle raises expectations… as well as questions. Focus on ten of them before the Grand Départ from Florence, this Saturday June 29.

Will the Vingegaard-Pogacar duel keep all its promises?

We certainly hope so. Fierce, homeric at times, the duel between the two extraterrestrials of the global peloton should liven up the three weeks of the 111th edition. Two times, great battles in the mountains, where everyone can count on faithful traveling companions, Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard should compete hard to determine who of the two will win their third Tour first. The only unknown is the state of form of the outgoing double winner, victim of a serious fall in April, and who will resume competition this Saturday in Florence.

Tour de France: the greatest rivalries in history

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Can an outsider prevail?

Two names immediately come to mind. That of Primoz Roglic first, eternally cursed on the Tour (beaten in an unreal time by Pogacar in 2020, abandoned the following two years) and now rid of the Vingegaard shadow at Visma. But the weight of years can count (34 years), even if the Slovenian reassured himself by winning the Critérium du Dauphiné by a whisker ahead of Matteo Jorgenson (Visma-Lease a Bike). Seconded to Vingegaard, the American, successful in the ASO races this year (winner of Paris-Nice and 2nd in the Dauphiné) could also have a card to play in the event of failure of his Danish leader. But the other outsider is one of the attractions of this new edition: Remco Evenepoel. Third man announced, the Belgian comes forward as a serious outsider, but without much certainty. One thing is certain, if the Pogacar-Vingegaard duo sail at their altitudes, it will be almost impossible to pick them up.

Also read: Tour de France: Evenepoel, what ambition for the third man?

Which favorites for distinctive jerseys?

Alone in the world on the Giro d’Italia, Tadej Pogacar is tackling his 5th Tour de France as the huge favourite. But the Slovenian will no longer be able to play for the white jersey. The best young rider in the Dauphiné, Matteo Jorgenson is one of the favourites for the white jersey. On the flat, the green jersey will be a Belgian affair between the experience of Wout van Aert and Jasper Philipsen, without forgetting the youthful enthusiasm of the recent Belgian champion Arnaud de Lie. And in the absence of the sprinters, Romain Bardet, in form on the Giro, will be able to show his mettle on the climbs to secure a second polka dot jersey, for his last on the Tour.

Read alsoTour de France: Pogacar, Philipsen, Barguil… The favorites of the different distinctive jerseys

Which French people will play in the top 5?

The last Frenchman to have finished in the Top 5 of the Tour de France (2022), David Gaudu should not achieve this same performance. The leader of Groupama-FDJ will not play the general role according to the latest comments from his sports director, Marc Madiot. On paper, no tricolor will have the capacity to finish in the first five places overall during this 111th edition. Lucid.

Also read: Tour de France: Gaudu, Bardet, Coquard… the French to follow

Who has the biggest armada?

A real winning machine, the Visma-Lease a Bike is a (very) seized machine in 2024. The recent withdrawal of Sepp Kuss, Vingegaard’s elegant luxury lieutenant in the mountains – incidentally crowned in the 2023 Vuelta -, weakens the Dutch team a little, who will finally be able to count on Wout van Aert and Matteo Jorgenson as ambitious second knives. On the other side, UAE Emirates advances with an armada never seen before around Pogacar. Adam Yates, Joao Almeida, Juan Ayuso… all potential leaders, not to mention lieutenants Pavel Sivakov, Nils Pollitt and Tim Wellens… It remains to be seen whether or not a war of egos could disrupt the whole thing. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Read alsoTour de France: Décathlon-AG2R unstoppable, Groupama-FDJ in the unknown… the barometer of French teams before the Grand Départ

What profile for this 2024 edition?

This 111th edition will take a new route from the Grand Départ in Italy to pay tribute to the memory of the great transalpine champions with two hilly first stages. Then, the peloton will climb the Col du Galibier from the 4th stage. One of the 67 climbs of this Tour which will return to the Pyrenees in the third week. A month before the Paris Olympics, this Tour will be difficult for the sprinters who will have several opportunities to shine with nine flat stages. And to finish, the Tour will leave the Champs-Élysées, the place of arrival since 1975, to take the roads of Nice with a final 33 km time trial, the second of this edition, which could overturn a few surprises like Greg LeMond’s victory at the expense of Laurent Fignon in 1989.

Also read: Tour de France: endless climb, white paths and time trial in Nice… the five stages not to be missed

What is the queen stage?

Fireworks expected as usual… on July 14, between Loudenvielle and the Plateau de Bielle (stage 15). On the program, four first category passes will stand before the riders, including the legendary climb of Portet d’Aspet, for its 35th appearance on the Tour. The peloton will walk along its steepest side. 4.3 km at 9.6% average. A giant among giants. They will finally tackle the ascent of the Beille plateau (15.7 km at 7.8% average, and peaks at more than 12%). Victory will be fought at the summit on this national holiday.

The legendary climbs of the Tour de France

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Will the Tour already be played in Nice?

For the beauty of the Tour, it would be tempting to answer in the negative, but the reality will be quite different. The final time trial between Monaco and Nice (33.7 km) should have no impact on the winner of the 111th edition. Given the demands of the course, the difference will probably be made (well) before the arrival scheduled for July 21. Nevertheless, there could be changes for the places of honor and perhaps even at the gates of the Top 10.

Also read: Tour de France: Pogacar reveals he “had Covid” ten days ago but says he has “recovered”

Can Cavendish go for Merckx’s record?

At 39, the British sprinter has one last chance to beat Eddy Merckx’s record by raising his arms for the 35th time on the roads of the Tour. A feat within the reach of the “Cav”, winner of at least one stage on a Grand Tour since 2021. But the “Missile of Man” will have to create the feat against a very strong field of sprinters while he has only won two sprints this season. Having left on a retirement last year, he wants to end his story with the Tour in the best possible way.

Read alsoTour de France: Marc Cavendish aims for stage record with Astana

What progress has been made for runners’ safety?

Although safety has become one of the major issues with the accumulation of serious falls, there will be nothing new on the Tour… despite the introduction of new measures taken by the UCI in May last (yellow card, restriction on wearing a headset, etc.). These will come into force in January 2025. Before then, the peloton and the marshals will observe a testing period running from August 1 to December 31. The objective is to make adjustments to minimize risks.

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SPORTS

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

Published

2 weeks ago

November 5, 2024

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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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SPORTS

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

Published

1 month ago

October 12, 2024

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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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SPORTS

A young badminton player realizes his deceased father’s dream

Published

1 month ago

October 12, 2024

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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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