I'm at my peak, says Tadej Pogacar after regaining Yellow Jersey
Like all UAE riders at the grand tours, Pogacar had a room to himself. He was woken earlier than he might have preferred as testers from the International Testing Agency were at the hotel before 8am. He and two team-mates were on their list.
'OK, I slept OK,' he said to his sports director.
'We push on,' Pogacar said in the way he might mention the weather. The plan remained the same. For some time he'd thought of the 13.5-kilometre climb to Hautacam. With its uneven gradients, it's a climb that he likes. What he didn't like was the previous time he rode Hautacam in the Tour. That was 2022 and the 18th stage. Pogacar trailed Jonas Vingegaard by 2mins 18secs that morning but still believed he could win.
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Daily Mail
27 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Why Lionesses' Euro's victory will help end England men's trophy quest: Gareth Southgate's sports psychologist reveals key to women's success - and has a brutal message for their critics
England's men's football team could learn lessons from the Lionesses if they are to win their first major trophy since 1966 next year, Sir Gareth Southgate 's favourite sports psychologist told MailOnline today. Michael Caulfield, a long-time friend and confidante of the former England manager, believes the women's triumph could be a 'turning point' for Thomas Tuchel 's men. He also believes that the Three Lions' German manager and the FA should also take note of the Lionesses' 'joy' at representing their country. 'If the men's team triumph [next summer], I genuinely believe the Lionesses dramatic win in Basel will prove to be a huge turning point, as they have a won a tournament away from home, and everyone in the men's set up will subconsciously note that too. This win was so important for both teams', Mr Caulfield told MailOnline. He added: 'I hope everyone at the FA realises that the more you allow people to be themselves, be likeable, be proud of who you are and what you stand for, then people come with you'. Mr Caulfield also has a strong message for 'cynical' critics of the victorious women. 'We should simply be saying 'thank you' and joining in the celebrations. If you don't like women's football, or seeing women triumph, inspiring countless young girls to take up football... then don't watch it, or comment on it, you won't be missed, but you might be missing out', he said. The Prime Minister's official spokesman has said this afternoon that the men's football team 'should absolutely take a lesson' from the Lionesses on how to win tournaments. He added: 'Yes, it can't be as fast and as furious as the men's game, in the same way that the Kenyan female athlete, Faith Kipyegon, couldn't break the four minute mile recently, but that does not stop last night's triumph from being joyous'. It came as Beth Mead's father Richard had a message for critics, tweeting today: 'To all the snipers out there criticising women's football, guess what my daughter is a double European champion, how many people can say that, well done lionesses'. Mr Caulfield, who works for Brentford in the Premier League, is one of the country's top sports psychologists with over 30 years experience. He was first employed by Southgate when he was manager at Middlesbrough in 2006 and they have remained close. Millions celebrated as the Lionesses won back-to-back European Championships, with a women's World Cup final in between. The men have gone close to winning both those titles in recent years but never made the final step. Mr Caulfield said: 'What can the Three Lions learn from The Lionesses? Well, Sir Gareth Southgate started it, I hope everyone at the FA realises, that the more you allow people to be themselves, be likeable, be proud of who you are and what you stand for, then people come with you, and for those who simply want to moan, well, you can never win an argument with a cynic, so don't try'. The team are flying into Britain this afternoon ahead of a reception at Downing Street hosted by Angela Rayner with PM Sir Keir Starmer in Scotland meeting Donald Trump. Despite the success of the Lionesses, some continue to compare the men's and women's games unfavourably. Mr Caulfield says he 'cannot understand' it. 'Comparison is the thief of all joy and never has that lovely old phrase been more apt following the joyous and determined triumph by the most admirable and likeable of teams, The Lionesses. 'The whole evening and tournament were joyous, the drama was joyous, Chloe Kelly was joyous, the backstories are joyous, the never say die attitude was joyous, the commentaries were joyous, the reaction is joyous, and they haven't even made it to Buckingham Palace yet. 'For the life of me, I cannot understand the need or point of comparing the Lionesses to The Three Lions, and if you don't like women's football, or seeing women triumph, inspiring countless young girls to take up football, therefore taking exercise, getting off their phones, being part of a club, team, community and improving every aspect of their life, then don't watch it, or comment on it, you won't be missed, but you might be missing out'. He added that the Lionesses are 'uniting people from all walks of life in the process, and giving us all a break for the daily worries we all face in our own lives. We should simply be saying 'thank you' and joining in the celebrations'.
The Independent
29 minutes ago
- The Independent
England men's team should ‘take a lesson' from the Lionesses, says Starmer
The England men's football team should 'take a lesson' from the Lionesses, Sir Keir Starmer has said, following their dramatic Euro 2025 victory. England became European champions again on Sunday evening after defeating Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout in Basel. The prime minister – who is a football fan himself – said the Lionesses have 'captured the hearts of the nation', adding the team are an inspiration for young people across the country. 'We look forward to hosting them at Downing Street later and celebrating at the parade', his spokesperson added. But despite Sir Keir previously backing calls for a 'proper day of celebration' when England reached the Euro 2022 final, Downing Street has since rejected the idea of an extra bank holiday, saying: 'If we had a bank holiday every time the lionesses win, we'd never go to work". Asked if the men's team should be learning from the Lionesses, Sir Keir's spokesperson said: "Yes, they should absolutely take a lesson. 'The bottle the women's team showed over the last few games is completely remarkable. I saw a stat that said they only spent one minute at knockout stages ahead, but still managed to come back in every game and get through and obviously win penalty shootouts. 'And I'm sure the men's team will be watching on and taking notes as to how they follow their efforts." On Monday, the team are expected to land back in the UK before heading to a reception at Downing Street hosted by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The Lionesses are then set for a homecoming open-top bus parade celebration in central London on Tuesday, followed by a ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. Confirming the Downing Street reception, Sir Keir said: 'The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation. 'Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country. 'It stands as a testament to the determination, resilience and unity that define this outstanding team. 'I'm delighted that the squad will be welcomed into Downing Street as the whole country marks this historic win and the lasting impact they are creating for the future of the game.' Ms Rayner said it will be 'a privilege to celebrate' with the team, with Ms Peacock adding that the government is 'committed to playing our part to ensure this success translates into lasting change.'
The Independent
29 minutes ago
- The Independent
Man United transfer news: Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins, Corentin Tolisso and more
Manchester United face a crucial summer as Ruben Amorim finally gets the chance to shape his squad and transform his failing team into contenders at the top end of the table. It shouldn't be forgotten that Amorim initially rebuffed United's approach following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, and perhaps he was wise to try and delay the move, because what followed was a disastrous campaign cuminating in the 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final. Now Amorim has a full preseason to prepare his side and a summer transfer window to mould his squad before a season without European football, and he must take full advantage. The release of the Premier League fixtures shows a difficult start for United, with an opening game agasint Arsenal and fixtures against Manchester City and Chelsea within their first five matches of 2025/26, and the manager's future could be called into question early should his side struggle. United got some early business done with the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5m deal before completing a move for Brentford star Bryon Mbeumo, but co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made clear that the money pot is not deep. Offloading high-wage players such as Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho seems key to funding the revolution, with a lack of movement causing frustration among fans as United lag behind their rivals. Here's everything you need to know about Manchester United's summer transfer plans. Areas to improve Perhaps it is easier to try and identify some parts of the team that don't need improvement. Three players could genuinely claim to have had decent seasons – Bruno Fernandes, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo – while Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Diogo Dalot all did OK in spells, but that is about the extent of United's reliable performers last season. Now that Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo's arrival are secured, the top priorities are: sign a proven goalscoring striker, given the toils of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee up front; buy a goalkeeper to compete with (or outright replace) the error-prone Andre Onana; recruit a wing-back who can excel in Amorim's system. Done deals Ins: Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford, £70m), Matheus Cunha (Wolves, £62.5m agreed), Diego Leon (Cerro Porteno, undisclosed fee), Enzo Kana-Biyik (Le Havre, free transfer) Retained: Tom Heaton (signed new one-year deal after expiry of old contract) Outs: Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan), Enzo Kana-Biyik (Lausanne-Sport, loan), Daniel Gore (Rotherham, loan), Christian Eriksen (out of contract), Victor Lindelof (out of contract), Jonny Evans (out of contract) Potential targets Benjamin Sesko, RB Leipzig Man United have reportedly begun talks with RB Leipzig over a move for much-wanted frontman Benjamin Sesko. While Arsenal have cooled their interest in the Slovenian following the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres, Newcastle are also said to be keen on Sesko. With United in desperate need of a proven goalscorer, they could deem Sesko as the man to solve their woes. Corentin Tolisso, Lyon One of the latest rumours involving United sees them linked with Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso. The 31-year-old is coming off a decent season for the French side, and could be available for a cut-price fee due to the French side's financial troubles. Concrete links are yet to materialise, but he is thought to be available for £15m. Richard Rios, Palmeiras Another one with few concrete links, but reports in Brazil claim that United are interested in Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios. United sent scouts to watch the Colombia international during the Club World Cup, with the Brazilian side hoping to start negotiations around the £30m mark, though Rios has already said yes to a proposal from AS Roma and could be heading to Serie A. Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa United's search for a striker continues and while Cunha and Mbeumo will be solid attacking options, there remains a desire to add a recognised number nine to the squad if possible. Watkins was the subject of interest from Arsenal in January but with the Gunners signing United target Gyokeres, the England international could be a valid, Premier League-proven attacking option. Villa would want at least £60m for Watkins, though links with Old Trafford have gone quiet after United wrapped up a move for Mbeumo.
