■ Cycling
Wolf protest affects Tour
The Tour de France modified the start of yesterday's 10th stage to head off farmers who planned to block the riders to protest wolf attacks on their sheep and cows. The race was meant to start in Grenoble. Instead, it will start 11.5km away in Brignoud, after being held up for a few minutes to allow farmers to demonstrate, Tour organizers said on Monday after talks with livestock rearers' representatives. Initially, farmers had planned to block the race along the route to the ski station of Courchevel to protest attacks on their herds by wolves in the Alps, organizers said. "Through this compromise, Tour de France organizers wanted to show their solidarity with the rural world," they said in a statement. The stage was meant to be raced over 192.5km, but that will now be shortened to 181km.
■ Sumo
Asashoryu still undefeated
Grand champion Asashoryu wrapped Futeno in a bear hug and shoved him to the dirt to stay undefeated yesterday, the third day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament. Quick off his hands at the face-off, third-ranked maegashira Futeno matched Mongolian Asashoryu's speed. But once Asashoryu grabbed Futeno's belt, the lower-ranked wrestler was overpowered, and Asashoryu got his third win of the tourney. It was the 24-year-old Mongolian's 20th straight win. He has captured the past four Emperor's Cups, going 15-0 in the summer tourney, and is seeking his 13th overall title. Ozeki Tochiazuma remained undefeated after fending off a determined Roho in one of the day's longest matches. Russian Roho was winless. Ozeki Kaio wore down a spirited but outclassed Miyabiyama to go 2-1. Miyabiyama slipped to 1-2.Chiyotaikai didn't fare well. The ozeki's trademark offense -- arm thrusts to his opponent's face -- failed against second-ranked maegashira Dejima, leaving Chiyotaikai with a 2-1 record. Dejima was also 2-1.
■ Motorcycling
New sidecar record set
New Zealander Glen Hayward claimed a new world land speed record for a 1,000cc sidecar motorcycle of 272km an hour on a straight stretch of South Island country road on yesterday. His time, which beat the previous record of 222kph set by an Englishman in 1986, was confirmed by a representative of the Swiss-based International Motorcycling Federation but must be ratified later this year, Radio New Zealand reported. Hayward was reported to have carried not a passenger but 60kg of lead ballast in the sidecar, as allowed under the federation's rules.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely