Norwegian Katusha rider Alexander Kristoff won the second stage of the Tour of Qatar on Monday, and also took the race leader’s gold jersey. The 27-year-old from Oslo won a bunch sprint after a high-tempo stage, which at 187.5km was the longest of the race, from al-Wakra to al-Khor Corniche.
After holding off Italian Andrea Guardini of Astana and BMC rider Greg Van Avermaet of Belgium, Kristoff said: “It was really tough with the wind and there was practically a sand storm.”
“Sand was going in my mouth, everywhere and it was one of the most difficult days I’ve ever had,” he said. “Everyone was tired, including myself, but I thought that I was one of the favorites in that small group at the end and I know I’m fast.”
Photo: AFP
The victory for Kristoff, who won two stages on last year’s Tour de France, gave him a 1 second lead over Belgian veteran Tom Boonen (Quick Step) in the overall standings, while Van Avermaet is three seconds adrift.
The peloton was pushed along by a fierce tailwind that saw the riders cover a distance 50km longer than Sunday’s stage in almost the same time.
Two casualties of the tough conditions were British 2012 Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins and German star Marcel Kittel, who arrived home 9 minutes, 18 seconds behind the leaders.
Photo: AFP
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
Forget Real Madrid, Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain, the world’s best soccer team — statistically speaking — might be a little-known outfit from the closed central Asian nation of Turkmenistan. Founded last year, Arkadag, named in honor of former Turkmen president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, have been unstoppable, notching up 36 consecutive domestic victories in a run still ongoing. The side have not lost a single competitive match and swept to a league and cup double in their inaugural season — success unthinkable almost anywhere else. However, in Turkmenistan, it could hardly have gone any other way. The energy-rich country is one of the most closed
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