PARIS: Breaking with tradition at the Tour de France is stirring controversy.
Since race organizers announced plans last week to climb the iconic Montmartre hill in Paris during the final stage in July, the cycling world has been abuzz. Could the climb actually decide the Tour winner? Or disrupt the final sprint by injecting tactical uncertainty into what is usually a celebratory day?
Well, that remains to be seen. But one thing seems certain: The stage will be a spectacle.
At last year’s Olympics, massive crowds lined the streets of Montmartre — the area in the northern part of Paris that is popular among artists and offers grand vistas of the city — to cheer on riders.
Inspired by the frenetic atmosphere and willing to build on the momentum, Tour organizers said this month that riders competing in cycling’s biggest race this summer would climb the Montmartre hill and pass beneath the Sacré-Coeur basilica before “battling it out on a stage that may break from the traditions established over the past 50 years in the heart of the capital.”
Traditionally, the Tour final stage is largely processional until a sprint decides the day’s winner on the Champs-Élysées. Last year’s final stage was held outside Paris for the first time since 1905 because of a clash with the Olympics, moving instead to Nice. The world famous avenue is back on the program this year for the conclusion of the 3,320-kilometer (2,060-mile) race.
The inclusion of the steep Montmartre climb could dramatically change the dynamics of the stage. If the hill features just a few kilometers from the finish line, or is climbed several times, pure sprinters will likely be dropped before they can compete for the stage win. And if the general classification remains tight ahead of the final stage, the yellow jersey itself could be decided in Paris.
Riders not happy
Full details of the route will be presented at a news conference on Wednesday. With a peloton roughly twice as big as it was at the Olympics, organizers are working with Paris authorities and the Prefecture of police to ensure the security of the race on the narrow and cobbled streets of the area. But some top riders have already expressed their lack of enthusiasm about the addition.
“Montmartre was nice to do in the Olympics, it seemed good, a lot of people, a really good atmosphere,” two-time Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard told reporters this week. “But when they came to the Montmartre, there was only 15 riders left in the bunch. And when we do the Tour de France, there will be 150 guys fighting for positions on a very narrow climb. It could end up being more stress than they want to have.”
Even Remco Evenepoel, who won the Olympic men’s road race in Paris last year and the gold medal in the time trial, is also opposed to the idea.
“There will be enough battle for positioning in the first week of the Tour,” he told sports media Sporza. “With Montmartre added, that would mean we have to do the same on the last day. We will be tired enough by then.”
Evenepoel also lamented the fact that sprinters would be robbed of a rare chance to claim a prestigious win on the world famous avenue.
“They get a big chance every year to sprint for a stage win on the Champs-Elysées,” he said. “That chance is then taken away from them. In my opinion, Montmartre is an unnecessary obstacle.”
Marc Madiot, who manages the Groupama-FDJ team, said bad weather on the final day could make the stage more treacherous.
“Imagine a slight rain in Paris; it’s not going to be easy for the riders,” he told RMC Radio. “Do we want a show? Do we want to visit Paris? Do we want to commemorate the Olympics? If we expect a real race, we could be disappointed. And if we do get a real race, we put everything that has happened in the last three weeks in jeopardy.”
The Tour starts from the northern city of Lille on July 5, and the women’s race kicks off on July 26 from the Brittany town of Vannes.
Tour de France’s new Montmartre climb could be a game changer. It sparks controversy
https://arab.news/6tbzg
Tour de France’s new Montmartre climb could be a game changer. It sparks controversy
Early goal holds up as Benfica beats Bayern Munich to advance to knockouts
- Anatoliy Trubin made four saves to keep Benfica’s second consecutive clean sheet
Andreas Schjelderup scored early and Benfica held on amid oppressive conditions for a 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich on Tuesday afternoon in Charlotte.
Anatoliy Trubin made four saves to keep Benfica’s second consecutive clean sheet and preserve its first-ever competitive victory over Bayern as the Portuguese club finished atop Group C and extended their FIFA Club World Cup campaign.
Benfica (2-0-1, 7 points) will face either Chelsea or Esperance de Tunis, who play later Tuesday to decide the second spot in Group D, in a Saturday round- of-16 clash also in Charlotte.
A heavily rotated Bayern (2-1-0, 6 points) had already clinched their spot in the knockout phase and will face Group D winner Flamengo on Sunday in Miami Gardens, Florida
Benfica went in front 13 minutes into a sluggish first half that was played amid temperatures hovering around 97 degrees and beneath bright sunshine.
Ángel Di María played a ball wide down the right for Fredrik Aursnes, who then dragged a low cross back to the penalty area. That’s where Schjelderup met it in stride and fired a low first-time finish past Manuel Neuer.
Trubin was exceptional after halftime as Benfica weathered increasing Bayern pressure.
In the 51st minute, Leroy Sané ran onto Joshua Kimmich’s ball over the top but was denied by Trubin, who also made a more comfortable save of Thomas Müller’s follow-up effort seconds later.
Kimmich thought he’d scored from the edge of the penalty area in the 61st minute, but the goal was ruled offside because Harry Kane was standing in an offside position and in the goalkeeper’s view.
In the 74th minute, he denied Aleksandar Pavlovic with an outstretched leg from about 10 yards after Bayern’s initial cross from the right rattled off a few bodies inside the area.
Then in the 87th, he thwarted Sané on the break for a second time after Sané ran onto Harry Kane’s excellent through ball.
Lyon handed Ligue 2 relegation by financial regulator
- During a hearing earlier in the day, Lyon were unable to convince DNCG to lift the restrictions
- Lyon can appeal the decision
LYON: Seven-time Ligue 1 champions Lyon have been relegated to the second-tier by French football’s financial watchdog, the French professional league (LFP) announced on Tuesday.
During a hearing earlier in the day, Lyon were unable to convince the regulator (DNCG) to lift the restrictions it had put on the club in November.
Lyon can appeal the decision.
Before the meeting, Lyon’s president John Textor said he was confident of avoiding the drop to Ligue 2 for next season, where the club has not played since 1989.
“We have made a variety of investments in recent weeks,” he said. “Everything is good financially.”
American Textor sold his 43 percent stake in Premier League outfit Crystal Palace earlier in the week. Lyon have reduced their salary bill and sold Rayan Cherki to Manchester City and Maxence Caqueret to Como.
Lyon qualified for next season’s Europa League after finishing sixth in the French top-flight.
If their relegation is confirmed, they would be replaced in Ligue 1 by Reims.
Lyon won seven consecutive French titles between 2002 and 2008. Only five clubs have won Ligue 1 more often. Paris Saint-Germain hold the record with 13 titles.
Arab Golf Federation launches elite scholarship program with training camp in Riyadh
- 4-day camp marks first phase of broader initiative
RIYADH: A group of promising young Arab golfers has gathered in Riyadh this week for the launch of a new regional initiative aimed at preparing future champions for the international stage.
The Arab Golf Federation has begun its Elite Sports Scholarship Camp, a flagship program designed to identify and nurture top golfing talent from across the Arab world.
Held at Riyadh Golf Club, the four-day training camp marks the first phase of a broader scholarship initiative that will see selected players offered full-time development opportunities at the renowned IMG Academy in the US.
The camp, which includes 16 male and female golfers under the age of 18, has brought together rising stars from across the region, based on their performances in regional and international events.
The program is structured into two intensive phases. The first is focused on technical, physical and psychological assessments, and the second on simulated competitive rounds designed to test performance under pressure.
At the end of the camp, the top-performing players will be awarded full scholarships, beginning in August.
The package includes elite golf training, academic education, and access to sports science facilities, including strength and conditioning and mental performance coaching.
The initiative forms a key part of the federation’s long-term strategy to elevate Arab golf and create a pipeline of talent capable of competing at the highest levels by 2035.
Yasir bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, president of the Arab Golf Federation, said: “While we continue to lay a strong and sustainable foundation locally, we are also committed to partnering with the best international institutions to provide world-class training and professional development for our promising young players.
“This initiative reflects our dedication to investing in youth talent based on global best practices, empowering them to compete on the international stage.
“In the coming years, as we achieve our ambitious goals, we will be able to rely entirely on our local capabilities and deliver a comprehensive Arab system for developing future champions.”
Noah Alireza, secretary-general of the federation, described the camp as a pivotal moment for the sport in the region.
“This camp represents a turning point in our journey to establish a clear competitive pathway for Arab golfers,” he said.
“By combining world-class training, international exposure, and meticulous evaluation, we are laying a strong foundation for young Arab talents to rise to the top levels of the sport.
“The Elite Sports Scholarship Camp is a genuine launchpad toward realizing the Arab Golf Federation’s vision of producing a new generation of Arab champions capable of competing globally.
“Through comprehensive assessment programs and strategic partnerships with leading institutions, the federation is laying the groundwork for a promising future for golf in the Arab world, built on planning, professionalism, and investment in youth potential.”
Saudi Sport Ministry signs deals for new hotels at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah
- The project will include 2 world-class hotels offering integrated services designed to meet the needs of international sporting delegations and other visitors
- Development will also feature a fan zone, fitness and sports clubs, swimming pools, restaurants, shops, areas for athletes, and conference and event spaces
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Sport on Tuesday signed agreements with local and international companies to develop, build, manage and operate two new hotels at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
The ministry said the hotels will be world-class establishments built to the highest engineering standards, and offer integrated services designed to meet the needs of international sporting delegations and other visitors.
The ministry’s acting director general of investment, Badr Al-Juraissi, attended signing ceremonies for the agreements with Kushan Real Estate Development Company, represented by its CEO, Marwan Al-Qaidi; Zuhair Fayez Partnership, which will provide design and engineering consultancy services and was represented by its chairperson, Zuhair Fayez; and IHG Hotels and Resorts, which will provide hotel services and was represented by Haitham Mattar, its regional managing director.
The hotels, expected to provide a total of 585 rooms, will be built on a 16,000-square-meter site at the sports city, the ministry said, and will help support the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to attract major sporting events.
The development will also include a fan zone, fitness and sports clubs, swimming pools, international restaurants, retail stores, dedicated areas for athletes, and conference and event spaces.
The ministry said the initiative forms part of its ongoing efforts to achieve its strategic goals, including engagement with the private sector in the development of the nation’s sports industry. It will also support environmental improvements through infrastructure development, and in doing so directly contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, officials said.
Abdulaziz bin Moammar promises ‘to fight with the spirit of every young Saudi’ at PFL MENA Showdown
- Fighting in Riyadh is a pivotal moment in Bin Moammar’s career
- Saudi fighter says his connection to combat sports began long before joining PFL
RIAYDH: Saudi fighter Abdulaziz bin Moammar continues his preparations for his second bout in the Professional Fighters League – Middle East and North Africa, scheduled for July 4 in Riyadh.
The event is part of a major promotion organized by the PFL, featuring a strong lineup of top regional fighters — a large crowd is expected.
Bin Moammar said returning to fight in Riyadh is a pivotal moment in his career: “Fighting in Riyadh isn’t just another match — it’s a responsibility. This is my city, where I grew up. My real fans are here. Fighting in front of them gives me a different kind of energy. There’s no room for complacency or backing down.”
He said that his connection to combat sports began long before joining the PFL, but his debut with the organization significantly expanded his visibility and fan base.
“I had a decent following before joining, but after my first fight in Jeddah, I felt a real surge in engagement. People started to recognize me more, follow me, and anticipate my next fights,” the Saudi fighter said.
The fight in Jeddah was an important first step for Bon Moammar who said: “It gave me confidence, and winning lit a fire inside me to keep going. But now in Riyadh, the challenge is bigger, and expectations are higher.”
Discussing his current training, the fighter revealed that he is in the middle of an intense local training camp in Riyadh, dedicating nearly all his time to preparation.
“Full focus on training has kept me away from my family, but I believe every moment of sacrifice now will pay off later. The camp is physically and mentally exhausting, but I’m determined to bring the best version of myself into the cage,” he said.
He further promised his fans “to fight with the spirit of every young Saudi who dreams of excelling in this sport.”
Bin Moammar knows the road is long and that professionalism is not easy but said: “I’m ready to walk it to the end. Your support is my greatest weapon.”
