Latest news with #GrandDépart
Scotsman
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Fringe play offers preview of what Edinburgh can expect when Tour de France hits town
With this year's Tour de France having crossed the finish line, the creators of a new drama about the legendary road race are offering Fringe-goers a chance to experience it's thrills and spills. As Edinburgh prepares to host the 2027 Grand Départ, cycling enthusiasts and theatre fans, can get an early taste of what to expect from hosting the world's top cycling spectacle in a compelling multi-media play CADEL: Lungs on Legs. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... New York's Connor Delves and Edinburgh's Steve McMahon who co-wrote the high-energy sports drama believe hosting the heady Grand Départ will be a game-changer for the city. Writing about Australian cycling legend and 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans has convinced the duo that the Grand Départ in 2027 won't just be a cycling event—but also a celebration of Scottish innovation, and an opportunity to promote the city and boost sustainable transport. Scotland's connection to cycling makes the 2027 Grand Départ something of a homecoming as the modern pedal-driven bicycle was invented by Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith from Dumfries in 1839. Present-day cyclists also owe a debt of gratitude to Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop for his 1887 invention of the pneumatic tyre, which vastly improved comfort and speed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Steve, who was born and raised in Edinburgh, said: 'I couldn't be more excited that our city will host the send-off of the world's most famous road race. Writing the play gave me a unique insight into the Tour de France—I understand the drama and theatricality of it all. Edinburgh's backdrop will create the perfect stage, and I hope everyone in the city will enjoy the spectacle.' Connor Delves triumphs in CADEL: Lungs on Legs Connor, who performs the multi-character solo show and has just returned from seeing the Tour de France in Paris says: 'Hosting the Grand Départ is not just a sporting honour, the Grand Départ in Yorkshire in 2014 attracted over 3.5 million spectators and brought an estimated £130 million to the local economy, while the Tour's broadcast reaches 3.5 billion viewers across 190 countries.' Past host cities have seen investment in roads, bike lanes, and active travel networks, which help improve cycling infrastructure with lasting benefits for residents. Edinburgh already has an engaged cycling community, and bringing the Tour to the city would help promote cycling culture to a wider audience, inspire increased interest, and get groups and local clubs involved to nurture a new generation of Scottish cyclists. Connor and Steve learned that Edinburgh had won the hosting bid after signing up to bring their show to the Fringe and were delighted at the chance to give local and global audiences a preview of the amazing atmosphere and excitement surrounding the Tour. Edinburgh will form the perfect backdrop for the event, which is traditionally hosted in scenic, culturally rich cities. Edinburgh's renowned expertise in handling large-scale public events like the Festivals and Hogmanay will ensure the departure unfolds seamlessly. The playwrights based their play on the life of Cadel Evans, an Australian outsider who triumphed at the 2011 Tour de France – an event so significant in his home country the nation nearly declared a national holiday. It's a physically demanding role as Connor pedals for an hour to recreate Evans' story on the same bike that rode to victory in the Tour. The pair hope the show will appeal to cyclists, Tour de France fans, and those who want to see compelling theatre, tightly written and powerfully performed. Everyone is invited along for the ride. CADEL: Lungs on Legs is at Underbelly Cowgate, at 1pm daily from 31st July – 24th August
Scotsman
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Fringe play offers preview of what Edinburgh can expect when Tour de France hits yown
With this year's Tour de France having crossed the finish line, the creators of a new drama about the legendary road race are offering Fringe-goers a chance to experience it's thrills and spills. As Edinburgh prepares to host the 2027 Grand Départ, cycling enthusiasts and theatre fans, can get an early taste of what to expect from hosting the world's top cycling spectacle in a compelling multi-media play CADEL: Lungs on Legs. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... New York's Connor Delves and Edinburgh's Steve McMahon who co-wrote the high-energy sports drama believe hosting the heady Grand Départ will be a game-changer for the city. Writing about Australian cycling legend and 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans has convinced the duo that the Grand Départ in 2027 won't just be a cycling event—but also a celebration of Scottish innovation, and an opportunity to promote the city and boost sustainable transport. Scotland's connection to cycling makes the 2027 Grand Départ something of a homecoming as the modern pedal-driven bicycle was invented by Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith from Dumfries in 1839. Present-day cyclists also owe a debt of gratitude to Scotsman John Boyd Dunlop for his 1887 invention of the pneumatic tyre, which vastly improved comfort and speed. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Steve, who was born and raised in Edinburgh, said: "I couldn't be more excited that our city will host the send-off of the world's most famous road race. Writing the play gave me a unique insight into the Tour de France—I understand the drama and theatricality of it all. Edinburgh's backdrop will create the perfect stage, and I hope everyone in the city will enjoy the spectacle." L-R Steve McMahon and Connor Delves, co-writers of CADEL: Lungs on Legs Connor, who performs the multi-character solo show and has just returned from seeing the Tour de France in Paris says: "Hosting the Grand Départ is not just a sporting honour, the Grand Départ in Yorkshire in 2014 attracted over 3.5 million spectators and brought an estimated £130 million to the local economy, while the Tour's broadcast reaches 3.5 billion viewers across 190 countries." Past host cities have seen investment in roads, bike lanes, and active travel networks, which help improve cycling infrastructure with lasting benefits for residents. Edinburgh already has an engaged cycling community, and bringing the Tour to the city would help promote cycling culture to a wider audience, inspire increased interest, and get groups and local clubs involved to nurture a new generation of Scottish cyclists. Connor and Steve learned that Edinburgh had won the hosting bid after signing up to bring their show to the Fringe and were delighted at the chance to give local and global audiences a preview of the amazing atmosphere and excitement surrounding the Tour. Edinburgh will form the perfect backdrop for the event, which is traditionally hosted in scenic, culturally rich cities. Edinburgh's renowned expertise in handling large-scale public events like the Festivals and Hogmanay will ensure the departure unfolds seamlessly. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The playwrights based their play on the life of Cadel Evans, an Australian outsider who triumphed at the 2011 Tour de France – an event so significant in his home country the nation nearly declared a national holiday. It's a physically demanding role as Connor pedals for an hour to recreate Evans' story on the same bike that rode to victory in the Tour. Connor Delves triumps as CADEL: Lungs on Legs The pair hope the show will appeal to cyclists, Tour de France fans, and those who want to see compelling theatre, tightly written and powerfully performed. Everyone is invited along for the ride.
Euractiv
5 days ago
- Business
- Euractiv
The Brief – 25 July 2025: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Good Friday afternoon, wherever you may be. Schuman was markedly quieter this morning, coffee shops are shuttered, and motorways are laden with holiday-makers heading south for the Grand Départ. Fear not, here at Euractiv HQ desks are still occupied and newsletters will still be delivered for two more weeks. And whilst the summer exodus empties a large part of the city, there's still plenty to report on. Including secluded parties in the depths of the European Parliament, where one young MEP has been hosting exclusive soirées, with DJs, beer on tap, and free pizza. Nicoletta Ionta got the invite and spilled the goods about this novel approach to politicking. The Asian tour EU leaders made a fleeting visit to the eastern hemisphere, stopping in Japan on Wednesday before piling back aboard the plane for a rather colder reception in China on Thursday. The Japan leg was a relatively amiable affair that secured an agreement to cooperate on procuring critical raw materials and strengthen business ties. Given the EU delegation's next stop, any mention of China was avoided, though the Japan mission clearly aims to reduce dependency on the world's manufacturing behemoth. Thursday's assignment – ostensibly a celebration of 50 years' diplomatic ties between the EU and China – was always going to be awkward, with Europe hooked on Chinese goods but also outraged by its support for Russia, its grip on rare earths, and disregard for human rights. Von der Leyen has hardened her tone towards this inconvenient trading partner and reiterated these grievances on the visit, though her Chinese counterparts showed little interest, leaving the Europeans to close the day with a press conference devoid of Chinese representatives. Gaza stirs European consciences The humanitarian emergency in Gaza has deteriorated for months as Israeli forces continue their ruthless assault on Hamas forces and render the war-torn region practically uninhabitable. With Palestinian civilians trapped in camps and precious little aid being delivered, acute starvation has become one more cause of death. For many in Europe, the situation has grown intolerable. But EU criticism of Israel's offensive has fallen short of sanctions, and agreements to provide more aid have failed to alleviate the crisis. In light of the situation, France announced Thursday that it will recognise the State of Palestine – a step taken by Spain and Ireland already last year. Whether this will significantly shift the dial on EU relations with Israel is not yet clear. An emergency call between France, Germany, and the United Kingdom takes place on Friday afternoon, though Merz has already said his government will not recognise a Palestinian state "in the short term". The European Parliament is also unsure whether to allow keffiyehs (the traditional Arab headdress now symbolic of solidarity with Palestine) in the building. The lack of clarity makes it likely that this will remain a point of contention – one that already has sparked skirmishes. Kids and social media A growing concern about the dangers of social media for minors has seen Brussels set guidelines for how platforms should protect children using their online services. Measures to restrict access vary between EU countries, with France leading the fight after coming down hard on porn websites last month. Under the auspices of the Digital Services Act, other countries are tightening access requirements and testing age verification. Much ado about veggie food If you thought 'Solmon' or 'Tu-nah' were inoffensive labels for non-fish alternatives, think again. The fish industry is in a flap about names that imitate the real thing and want to put an end to it (though it won't stop companies producing the actual products). "Call a spade a spade," an industry representative argued; one MEP supportive of the cause said that fish lovers should be "worried". The opposition follows a similar battle for the right to use terrestrial meat terms for plant-based alternatives. But the industry distress has done little to dent veggie appetites, as sales of non-meat delicacies continue to rise. Belgium-France nuclear cooperation The anti-nuclear sentiment whipped up by Green parties in Belgium has finally dissipated and the new government has overturned plans to phase out the country's reactors. But to make a "more sustainable, competitive and resilient Europe", Belgium will work closely with France to extend its nuclear capacity. Across Europe, attitudes towards the zero-emissions energy sources are changing as governments recognise their potential to deliver energy sovereignty and reduce dependence on natural gas imports.
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Tour de France 2025: 5 most recognized and difficult stages of the race
The twisty road map of the Tour de France - often described as the world's most prestigious and challenging cycling race - features a mix of flat, hilly, and mountainous stages. The race is not just a test of individual strength but also team strategy, endurance, and resilience. Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar climbs towards Hautacom to win the twelfth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 180.6 kilometers (112.2 miles) with start in Auch and finish in Hautacam, France, Thursday, July 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) The Tour de France began with the Grand Départ in Lille, a northern French city near the Belgian border. It marked the official start of the race with a festive celebration. Stage 2: This stage was the longest trek of this year's race with about 4 kilometers of climbing. It favors strong climbers and aggressive breakaway riders. The stretch from Lauwin-Planque to Boulogne-Sur-Mer is a marathon, not a sprint. It was the longest stretch of the race at 209.1 kilometers, or 129.93 miles. Stage 12: This stage featured several challenging climbs. Auch to Hautacam was the first mountain stage of the race, with 3,850 meters in elevation over the course, or 12,631 feet. The stage introduced the Pyrenees. Stage 16: This stage is notable for its race to the top of the famed barren mountain known as the 'Beast of Provence.' The 16th stage may seem straightforward at the start, but riders had to ascend to their highest point in elevation of the race. Mont Ventoux returned to the route after four years. Stage 21: The final stage features a cobbled climb before riders enter Paris to complete 3 laps of the iconic landmark. The final stage of the Tour de France concludes at the iconic Champs-Elysees in Paris. But before riders cross the finish line, they'll need to face the cobbled streets of Côte de la Butte Montmartre. Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, rides in the pack during the tenth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 165.3 kilometers (102.7 miles) with start in Ennezat and finish in Le Mont-Dore Puy de Sancy, France, Monday, July 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) The pack rides during the fourth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 172.2 kilometers (107 miles) with start in Amiens and finish in Rouen, France, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) The pack rides past a field of sunflowers during the eleventh stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 156.8 kilometers (97.4 miles) with start and finish in Toulouse, France, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy) Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar, wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, and Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard sprint towards the finish line of the sixteenth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 171.5 kilometers (106.6 miles) with start in Montpellier and finish on the Mont Ventoux, France, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) The pack rides during the second stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 209.1 kilometers (129.9 miles) with start in Lauwin-Planque and finish in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, Sunday, July 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Fans watch the riders during the first stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 184.9 kilometers (114.9 miles) with start and finish in Lille, France, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy) Spectators take photos of the riders during the eleventh stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 156.8 kilometers (97.4 miles) with start and finish in Toulouse, France, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy) Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard crosses the finish line of the thirteenth stage of the Tour de France cycling race, an individual time-trial over 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles) in the Pyrenees mountains with start in Loudenvielle and finish in Peyragudes, France, Friday, July 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Slovenia's Tadej Pogacar, right, celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the fourth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 172.2 kilometers (107 miles) with start in Amiens and finish in Rouen, France, Tuesday, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy) Italy's Vincenzo Albanese rides past a field of sunflowers during the eleventh stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 156.8 kilometers (97.4 miles) with start and finish in Toulouse, France, Wednesday, July 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy) Stage winner France's Valentin Paret Peintre leads in the breakaway with Ireland's Ben Healy, in pink, and Colombia's Santiago Buitrago, in white, in the sixteenth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 171.5 kilometers (106.6 miles) with start in Montpellier and finish on the Mont Ventoux, France, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
The National
12-07-2025
- Business
- The National
'Largest event ever held in Orkney' opens as global competitors arrive
Some 2000 athletes from 24 island groups – including the Falklands, the Cayman Islands, Saaremaa in Estonia, and Åland in Finland – have journeyed to the Scottish archipelago for the 20th iteration of the games. Athletes will compete for medals in 12 sports: archery, athletics, badminton, bowls, cycling, football, golf, gymnastics, sailing, squash, swimming, and triathlon. The games will run until July 18 and are expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to Orkney, which is said to be the smallest island group to ever host the event. Mascot Ola the Orca shows off the tartan for the games (Image: Ken Amer/Orkney 2025 International Island Games) The Scottish Government said it was the first of a series of high-profile sporting events being hosted in Scotland over the next few years, which include this weekend's Genesis Scottish Open, the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 2027 Grand Départ of the Tour de France, the 2027 Open Championship, and the 2028 UEFA European football championships. Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: 'The Orkney Island Games represent a significant opportunity to drive economic growth and build a lasting legacy for people and businesses in Orkney and beyond. 'They also provide a taste of what is to come and illustrate our wider ambition to make sure every corner of Scotland benefits from the prestigious events we are increasingly able to attract. READ MORE: Michael Shanks claims cutting Scots' energy bills not worth 'trade-off' 'This is a team effort and the benefits go way beyond the events themselves. The global platform they provide enables us to highlight Scotland to tourists, businesses and potential inward investors across the world.' Anne, the Princess Royal, is to attend the opening ceremony of the games, which will be held in Kirkwall on Saturday. All of the sporting events and the opening ceremony are free for all to attend.
