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Additionally, the club will present a unique carousel performance featuring a team of eight riders, merging the artistic beauty and technical skills inherent in dressage. This performance, a first for the team, has seen rigorous rehearsals, focusing on choreography, costumes, and music, guided by mentor Jean-Louis Legoux. Coach Candice Legoux commended the enthusiasm and preparation of her riders, which has been underway since last October.

Speaking of their sponsors, Legoux expressed heartfelt thanks to the twenty local merchants and artisans who supported the team’s participation, citing their invaluable contribution to this local sporting endeavor. The Darel Pony Club is hopeful that their hard work and dedication will lead to a successful championship outing, marking an exciting milestone for the riders.

His coach, Nicolas Castel, underscored the rationale for this focus, noting the importance of testing the 200m medley under optimal conditions. Marchand is also motivated to challenge Ryan Lochte's world record of 1:54.00 in the 200m individual medley, which has stood since 2011. Marchand's participation in the heats for the 200m individual medley will commence on July 30, followed by the finals potentially taking place on July 31.

This targeted approach comes off the back of the Olympic year, where reducing the number of races might serve to enhance Marchand's performance. As he prepares for this significant competition, all eyes will be on his efforts to further his legacy in the swimming world.

The stage begins with a flat stretch covering nearly 150 kilometers before the competitors face the grueling ascent of Mont Ventoux at kilometer 155.7. The climb is categorized as hors catégorie, featuring a daunting 15.7 kilometers at an average gradient of 8.8%, making it one of the toughest tests of endurance in the race. Key sections of the final climb will see gradients exceed 9.2%, creating potential for major shifts in the overall standings, especially under the forecast of sweltering heat expected that day.

Tadej Pogacar, currently leading the general classification and wearing the yellow jersey, is a strong favorite for this stage. He is expected to capitalize on his climbing strengths. Lenny Martinez, who holds the polka dot jersey for best climber, will need a robust performance to secure his position during this challenging ascent. In any case, with the climb being particularly treacherous, it’s anticipated to be a decisive moment in the race.

The event will start with a fictitious departure at 12:10 PM local time, followed by the real race launch at 12:40 PM. The expected finish time at the summit of Mont Ventoux is around 4:57 PM, aiming for an average speed of about 40 km/h. Fans can catch all the action live on France 2 and France 3, as well as full coverage on Eurosport.

Montpellier is not just the starting point for this stage; it is a city rich in sporting history, having hosted the Tour de France 33 times. Mont Ventoux, on the other hand, is infused with literary and cultural significance, making it a revered landmark not only in cycling but in French culture as a whole. As the competitors prepare for this exhilarating challenge, cycling enthusiasts eagerly anticipate how the stage will influence the race's overall outcome.

This year's race, spanning 3,500 kilometers, has been marked by vibrant interactions, notably featuring French cyclist Julian Alaphilippe, who has become emblematic of the race's spirit. Alaphilippe showcased sheer determination after a fall, captivating audiences with his resolve and fostering a deeper connection with fans, even amidst challenging weather conditions. Director Christian Prudhomme highlighted the extensive journey of the Tour, which has played a pivotal role in its appeal across the country.

The Tour’s popularity is evidenced by the large crowds that gather along the routes, proving its broad appeal. However, the event has faced scrutiny, including recent controversies where Quinn Simmons accused competitor Tim Wellens of utilizing motorized assistance during a critical race juncture. Such incidents contribute to the dynamic and sometimes contentious narrative that surrounds the Tour de France, further emphasizing its significance in French sports culture and society.

As the Tour progresses, the mix of excitement, drama, and cultural importance continues to resonate, ensuring that it remains a beloved fixture in France's sports landscape.

In Eure-et-Loir, 25 teams will participate, with notable matchups including Châteauneuf-en-Thymerais against Entente Sportive Beauceronne, both from Division 1 (D1). The excitement continues into the second round scheduled for August 31, where the winners from the first round will face off against additional teams, such as CSM Sully-sur-Loire and FC Ingré.

The draws emphasize community engagement and showcase local talent, creating a competitive environment across regional leagues. The anticipation for the tournament grows as local clubs prepare to enter this prestigious national competition, aiming to demonstrate their skills and passion for the game.

In contrast to the heavier models of yesteryear, like the Gitane and Peugeot, which weighed between 10-12 kg, today’s bikes benefit from rapid advancements in design and materials driven by extensive research and development in cycling teams. Dossin notes that in the past decade, these teams have made more progress than in the entire preceding century, transforming not just racing outcomes, but also the riders’ experience.

Moreover, the nostalgic sentiment towards older models highlights a reflective appreciation for the physical effort once required, contrasting sharply with the seamless efficiency of modern equipment. This evolution is emblematic of a larger trend in sports technology, as innovations redefine competitive cycling and enhance rider capabilities.

Injuries played a crucial role in the team's struggles, with key players such as Baille, Gros, and Dupont unable to participate. This resulted in the selection of a largely inexperienced squad, which undoubtedly affected performance during the matches. Despite the disappointing results, Galthié praised the team's resilience and noted their promising moments, particularly during the opening match that ended narrowly at 31-27 in favor of New Zealand.

The second match demonstrated a stark difference in physicality, as the All Blacks overwhelmed the French team, resulting in a heavy defeat of 43-17. However, the final match saw a slight improvement, with France losing 29-19 yet showing better defensive strategies and engagement throughout the game.

Notable performances included young player Mickaël Guillard, who emerged as a standout, while other players struggled to establish their impact on the field. Galthié acknowledged that despite the losses, experiences gained during the tour will be instrumental for the team's development as they prepare for a new rugby cycle commencing in September.

As the team takes a break and reflects on their achievements and areas for growth this tour provided, supporters remain hopeful for a resurgence in performance moving forward into future competitions.

Hastoy noted that his playing time increased considerably, evolving from just 17 minutes in his first match to 80 minutes in the finale against the All Blacks. He expressed satisfaction with this progress, stating, "I am happy with the end of the season," recognizing the importance of his developing partnership with teammates, particularly Nolann Le Garrec.

The player acknowledged that the XV de France faced stiff competition, especially during their loss to New Zealand by a score of 29-19. He emphasized the necessity of converting scoring opportunities, particularly against top-tier teams like the All Blacks, mentioning that missed chances could have significantly changed the match’s outcome.

Reflecting on the overall season, Hastoy believes the experiences he has gained will be crucial for his future in rugby. He remarked on the honor of competing against such formidable opponents and expressed optimism for personal and team improvement moving forward.

With the conclusion of the season, Hastoy looks towards future international duties, hopeful that the lessons learned will enhance his performance and the dynamics of the XV de France.

Overall, the general classification following the 15th stage remains relatively unchanged, with Pogacar clocking a time of 54h20'44". Vingegaard trails at 4 minutes and 13 seconds, followed by Florian Lipowitz and Oscar Onley at 7:53 and 9:18, respectively. Carlos Rodriguez's 19th place finish allowed him to climb into the 9th spot, pushing Ben Healy to 10th place. Kévin Vauquelin successfully held onto fifth position in the standings.

The dominance of UAE Team Emirates, reflected in both their stage performance and overall standings, has led some viewers to feel that the overall suspense of the race has diminished. The report encourages fans to find joy in the smaller moments of the event, even as Pogacar's overwhelming success lingers throughout the competition.

The contest began on a hopeful note for France when Grace Geyoro converted a penalty in the 15th minute, awarded after German defender Kathrin Heindrich received a red card for a foul on Griedge Mbock. Despite their numerical advantage, the French team struggled to maintain their lead and found themselves equalized in the 25th minute when Sjoeke Nüsken scored a goal from a corner kick.

As the match progressed into penalties, Oriane Jean-François, who demonstrated a strong midfield performance throughout the game, successfully converted her penalty. However, the French squad faced heartache as they ultimately fell short in this crucial moment, marking yet another disappointment for their campaign in major tournaments, having failed to advance to the semifinals repeatedly in recent years.

The contest attracted significant viewer interest, with approximately 4.9 million people tuning into the match on TF1, capturing a substantial 34.3% market share. This figure represents a remarkable jump in viewership compared to France's earlier matches in the tournament; their opening game against England had drawn 2.8 million viewers, while later matches against Wales and the Netherlands saw 2.9 million and 2.3 million viewers, respectively. The quarter-final's high audience numbers highlight the increasing support and interest in women's football within France, despite facing competition from high-profile events such as the FIFA Club World Cup final featuring Paris Saint-Germain.

The elimination marks a continued struggle for the French women at major international tournaments, and their fans are left to ponder the potential that remains unfulfilled as they look toward future competitions.

The game started with a significant moment when German defender Kathrin Hendrich received a red card for a foul on French captain Griedge Mbock just 13 minutes into play, leaving Germany with ten players. France capitalized on this early advantage with Grace Geyoro scoring from a penalty kick shortly thereafter. However, Germany quickly responded, leveling the score through a header by Sjoeke Nüsken, a goal assisted by Klara Bühl.

Despite dominating ball possession and having several scoring opportunities, including a disallowed goal for offside before halftime, France struggled to break through Germany's resilient defense, anchored by goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. The match was characterized by intense moments, including another goal ruled out by VAR and a critical near-miss for France when Melvine Malard hit the crossbar late in the game.

The tense atmosphere continued into extra time, but neither team could find the decisive goal, leading to penalties to determine who would advance. Unfortunately for France, their historical challenges against Germany in crucial matches continued, marking their sixth defeat in significant encounters against them. As the team reflects on this loss, forward Delphine Cascarino emphasized the hope for a new generation to forge their own legacy moving forward.

Germany now looks ahead to face Spain in the semi-finals, while Italy prepares to battle England in the other semi-final matchup.

Barsacq emphasized that strong performances from the French national team are crucial for generating interest and fostering the growth of women's football. She noted, We need to inspire young women, and a successful showing in upcoming tournaments can do just that, similar to the positivity surrounding England post-Euro 2022.

To further support these initiatives, the French Football Federation (FFF) is focusing on initiatives to promote greater participation in women's football. The Arkema Première Ligue, which has transitioned to a professional status, is earmarked to receive €70 million in investments over the next five years. This financial commitment is aimed at achieving better training and facilities for women athletes.

Barsacq also highlighted the critical role of media coverage in elevating women's sports, asserting that increased visibility will help develop a dedicated following. Moreover, she expressed hope that potential legislative changes would empower clubs to independently manage their financial futures, similar to what Olympique Lyonnais has accomplished. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, particularly in negotiating collective agreements for players, clubs, and coaches.

This ongoing effort indicates a firm push toward bridging the gap in women's football through strategic investments and legislative reforms, but Barsacq’s comments signal that the work is far from complete, with many hurdles still to be addressed.

The stage kicks off with a fictitious start at 13:20, leading into the official start at 13:30, aiming for an estimated finish around 17:18, with riders likely to average around 45 kilometers per hour during the race. Wout Van Aert is highlighted as a strong contender for this stage, particularly well-suited to the terrain, although fellow rider Romain Grégoire is identified as someone who needs to rebound for overall team performance.

Muret, known for its rich historical architecture, including the 12th-century Saint-Jacques church, is hosting the stage for the third time. In contrast, Carcassonne is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage medieval city, marked by impressive castles and local culinary delights such as black truffles. Spectators can catch the race on numerous channels, including France 4, France 3, and France 2, with extensive coverage also available on Eurosport.

In addition to the football match, audiences can also enjoy the third episode of *Fort Boyard* airing at the same time on France 2, featuring a team that includes public figures like Stéphane Bern and Frédérick Bousquet competing for the charity 'Stand Speak Rise Up!', supporting survivors of sexual violence.

Viewers looking for alternative options can tune in at 21:00 to catch the romantic drama *Les Bien-Aimés*, starring Catherine Deneuve and Chiara Mastroianni, on France 4, or appreciate the travel show *Echappées belles*, exploring Colombia's Caribbean coast, on France 5. This diverse lineup aims to cater to a wide range of audiences while highlighting France's cultural programming during the pivotal football match.

Lipowitz's ascent is notable given his recent transition from biathlon, where he was a national champion in his youth. In 2019, a knee injury ended his biathlon career, leading him to take up competitive cycling only in 2020. His previous notable results include a second-place finish at Paris-Nice and a third at the Dauphiné, positioning him as a strong contender in this year's Tour de France.

Race director Christian Prudhomme had previously identified Lipowitz as a potential key player, labeling him as a possible 'third man' behind prominent cyclists Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard. Despite still being relatively unknown, his riveting results have begun to attract attention, reflecting a growing interest in cycling within his home country.

"Wearing the white jersey is a dream come true for me," Lipowitz expressed, noting the significance of his current standing in the race. He also indicated a willingness to discuss the team's strategy concerning Primoz Roglic, who is currently sixth overall. In light of Lipowitz’s rising profile and capabilities, he may redefine his role within the Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team and impact the overall dynamics of the competition as the Tour progresses.

This victory is particularly notable as Boisson, currently ranked 63rd in the world, now prepares to face Hungarian Anna Bondár, who is ranked 77th, in the final match. Boisson's ascent comes on the heels of her impressive semifinal run at Roland-Garros just a month ago, although she faced a setback at Wimbledon, where she failed to qualify. However, her recent performance on clay courts has reinvigorated her confidence ahead of the upcoming US Open, where she has qualified directly due to her current ranking.

Under coach Laurent Bonadei, Les Bleues are in formidable form, having won all 11 matches so far in 2025, including a flawless group stage that saw victories over England (2-1), Wales (4-1), and the Netherlands (5-2). France is aiming for its first-ever Euro title and has never advanced past the semi-finals in this tournament's history. The team's line-up is set for a 4-3-3 formation, featuring captain Griedge Mbock returning from injury to bolster the defense alongside Maëlle Lakrar, both key players who add strength to the backline.

Conversely, Germany, the most successful team in Euro history with eight titles, has shown inconsistency recently. Despite winning against Poland (2-0) and Denmark (2-1), they experienced a heavy defeat to Sweden (1-4) in the group stage. The German side, managed by Christian Wück, is looking to defend their title after reaching the finals in 2022 but has faced challenges with player injuries and tactical adjustments.

Bonadei has expressed optimism about his team’s progress, stating, “It’s a good test for us to evaluate where the team stands. It has progressed faster than expected, which is encouraging.” France's striking potential includes Marie-Antoinette Katoto leading the attack, supported by Kadidiatou Diani and Delphine Cascarino. In contrast, Germany's tactical shift includes a five-defense strategy, a departure from their usual four-player setup.

Kickoff for this tense encounter is scheduled for 21:00, and the match will be broadcast live on TF1. Should France secure a victory, they will advance to the semi-finals, where they are set to face Spain, adding to the stakes of this crucial match.

As both teams prepare for this heavily anticipated match, history suggests a challenge for France, which has yet to win against Germany in major competitions, with an overall record of four losses and one draw. However, their recent triumph in a Nations League meeting gives hope and adds to the excitement around this quarter-final showdown.

Beginning with a relatively easy 70 kilometers, the route then shifts to more rugged terrain, especially highlighted by the Pas de Sant climb, which measures 2.9 kilometers with an average gradient of 10.2%. Cyclists should be prepared for a rise that continues over a slight incline for an additional 10 kilometers before easing into a downhill ride towards Carcassonne. This flat stretch also brings the potential for crosswinds that could complicate the peloton's organization.

Carcassonne is historically significant in the Tour, known for hosting memorable events like Albert Bourlon's remarkable breakaway in 1947, where he maintained a 16-minute lead over his competitors after an impressive solo effort of 253 kilometers. In more recent history, Mark Cavendish celebrated his 34th Tour victory here in 2021, equalling Eddy Merckx's record for career stage wins. With 167 cyclists expected to take part this year, the stage promises to be a thrilling mix of tactics and endurance.

This awaited stage win is particularly significant for Arensman, marking his notable rise in the competitive realm of professional cycling. After previously clinching victory in the 15th stage of the Vuelta in 2022, this achievement adds notable momentum to his career. His performance in the mountains showcased his endurance and strategic prowess against a backdrop of challenging ascents.

As the Tour progresses, the general classification remains tightly contested. While Arensman celebrated his win, Tadej Pogacar continued to lead the overall standings with a commanding advantage of over four minutes ahead of fellow competitor Jonas Vingegaard. The competitive atmosphere of this year's race remains palpable, with Arensman's win bringing fresh excitement and strategies from other teams as they vie for their own stage victories.

Cycling enthusiasts are keenly awaiting the next stages, eager to see if Arensman's victory will galvanize his performance and how Pogacar's lead will be challenged in the days ahead. This stage win is not just a personal milestone for Arensman; it reinvigorates the spirit of competition and showcases the unpredictable nature of the Tour de France.

In summary, Thymen Arensman's victory in stage 14 not only highlights his formidable talent but contributes to the drama and evolving narrative of this prestigious race.

France enters this highly anticipated clash with a perfect record from the group stage, winning all three matches and scoring an impressive total of 11 goals. The team's momentum is reflected in the comments of their coach, Laurent Bonadei, who acknowledges the youthful exuberance of his squad while also highlighting the significant challenge posed by the German team.

In contrast, Germany, historically a powerhouse in women's football with nine European championships, faces obstacles in this tournament. The team has struggled, winning only two of three group matches, and suffered a heavy loss to Sweden (4-1). Significant absences include captain Alexandra Popp, who has retired, and Giulia Gwinn, who is sidelined due to injury. Despite these challenges, German coach Christian Wück acknowledged France's current form makes them favorites for the match. “If we look simply at the numbers, France is favored,” he stated, emphasizing the French team's performance over historical context.

As both teams ready themselves for the quarter-final, French forward Delphine Cascarino expressed confidence in their preparations and goals, stating, "We have no inferiority complex and are determined to change our narrative." With intense pressure and expectations, this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter in the women's football landscape.

For this crucial match, France will field a strong lineup featuring key players such as Barré, Attissogbe, Depoortère, and the team captain Fickou. The French roster includes notables like Villière, Hastoy, Le Garrec, Brennan, Guillard, Fischer, Halagahu, Auradou, Slimani, Bourgarit, and Erdocio. Meanwhile, the All Blacks, representing their trademark strength, will start with powerful players including Love, Jordan, Lienert-Brown, and captain Savea, along with McKenzie, Ratima, Jacobson, Finau, Holland, Tuipulotu, Lomax, Taukei’aho, and de Groot in their lineup.

This match marks not just the culmination of the series but an opportunity for each team to solidify their strategies and performance ahead of future international fixtures. A successful outcome for France would further elevate their status in the rugby world, while for New Zealand, a strong performance would demonstrate resilience as they continue to be a dominant force in international rugby. Fans are eagerly encouraged to follow the match live as it promises to be an exciting showdown.

Victor Girault from Saran LAC also made headlines by clinching the bronze medal in the 100m event. Girault set personal bests throughout the competition, clocking times of 10.53 seconds in the heats and 10.47 seconds in the semifinals. He finished the final in 10.48 seconds, landing him in fifth place overall; however, he secured the national bronze medal since the top two finishers were foreign competitors. As the championships progress through the weekend, Girault is set to compete further in both the 200m and 4x100m relay, thereby providing additional chances for Loiret athletes to earn more medals.

Previously, Vercher had a setback with a crash during the first stage of the Tour, which was broadcast to millions globally, drawing attention to his plight and adding to the ongoing interest in his journey. Despite the physical and emotional hardships, including the pressure that comes from being in last place, Vercher's determination adds a compelling human element to the race, contrasting the overwhelming dominance of top competitors like Tadej Pogačar. His perseverance encapsulates the spirit of those who wrestle not just with the mountains of the course, but with personal trials.

This narrative invites spectators to empathize with Vercher, an unwavering competitor amidst adversity, showcasing how, in the Tour de France, every rider's story matters, irrespective of their placement on the leaderboard.

The event emphasizes the promotion of local artisanship and is backed by the Confédération nationale de la boulangerie-pâtisserie, highlighting its motto 'Mange du pain et cours bien' (Eat bread and run well). Christian Poujol, president of the CMA Hérault, remarked on the significance of the event for showcasing artisan skills, noting that the CMA represents 280 different trades with 1.8 million businesses employing around 4 million workers across France. Each stage of the race will display over 300 stands, allowing the public to engage with various artisan trades, fostering knowledge transmission akin to a familial bond.

A highlight of the opening day includes the participation of Frédéric Matan, a renowned stone carver, who will demonstrate his skills by sculpting a giant hand to hold the Olympic rings, intending to present it to Tom Cruise for the 2028 Olympics. The day’s events will feature artisan exhibitions from 14:00, team presentations at 15:00, and the race kick-off at 16:00, culminating in an awards ceremony at 18:30. The event expects to draw positive responses from the host towns, reflecting a successful synergy of sports and cultural heritage.

The LFP's response to this ruling underscored its importance, especially as it prepares for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Crucially, this decision highlights the justice system's recognition of the ability to direct DNS providers to obstruct access to unauthorized sports broadcasts.

In a statement, the LFP declared that this ruling equips them with essential tools to safeguard their rights and to combat piracy, which they argue threatens the economic stability of French football. Additionally, the organization plans to collaborate with the Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et numérique (Arcom) to extend blocking measures against any new illegal streaming services that may emerge during the season.

Key players contributing to the team's momentum include Amel Majri, Sakina Karchaoui, and Delphine Cascarino, with star forward Marie-Antoinette Katoto leading the attack. Notably, captain Griedge Mbock is making her return from injury, which is expected to significantly enhance the defense as they prepare to tackle Germany, ranked third in the world according to FIFA.

"We have built a resilient squad that has learned to manage difficult moments in matches," Cascarino stated, highlighting the team's mental strength as they head into the quarter-finals. Historically, France has faced challenges advancing past the quarter-finals, with their last tournament encounter against Germany in the Euro 2022 semi-finals resulting in disappointment.

As of now, France boasts a formidable record with 11 consecutive wins across all competitions, providing a hopeful backdrop as they gear up to confront their rivals. Bonadei acknowledged the need for tactical discipline, particularly in dealing with Germany's strengths, but remains buoyed by his squad's depth and capabilities. This quarter-final is not just another match; it represents a pivotal moment in the team's quest for Euro glory.

Pogacar created a significant gap early on in the race, finishing 36 seconds ahead of his closest competitor, Jonas Vingegaard, who secured second place, while Primoz Roglic took third, finishing 1 minute and 20 seconds behind the leader. Florian Lipowitz and Luke Plapp rounded out the top five, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively, at 1 minute and 56 seconds, and 1 minute and 58 seconds behind Pogacar. With this victory, Pogacar has greatly increased his advantage in the overall standings, now leading Vingegaard by over 4 minutes.

Lenny Martinez, the French climber from Nivernais, also made headlines during this stage by finishing ninth, which marked a recovery for him after a disappointing previous day. He completed the 10.9 km course in a time of 25 minutes and 21.93 seconds. Initially, Martinez ranked second at some point during the day, only to be pushed to ninth as other riders finished. Despite this setback, he was the top French finisher in the stage and improved his standing after struggling the day before at the col du Soulor, where he narrowly missed out on accumulating mountain points.

Currently, Martinez stands 102nd overall in the general classification but remains optimistic as he is only 2 minutes and 21 seconds behind Pogacar. He is also competing hard in the mountain classification, trailing Pogacar with 27 points compared to Pogacar's 37. As the Tour continues, the upcoming 14th stage linking Pau to Superbagnères will present an opportunity for him to climb the standings further, with significant points available at the iconic col du Tourmalet.

Overall, the results of the 13th stage not only reinforce Pogacar's formidable status in the race but also inject renewed hope into Martinez as he aims to make his mark in the remaining stages.

France's performance saw them initially struggle, losing the first two sets but rallying to take the fourth, which forced a decisive tie-break set. Currently, they are positioned third in the provisional standings, trailing behind Brazil and Italy. A pivotal match against Iran on July 19 could potentially secure their advancement to the Final 8, as only the top seven teams alongside host China will qualify for this prestigious event.

"It wasn't easy, but we fought back and showed our resilience," said a team captain following the match, encapsulating the spirit of the team as they push for further success in the tournament.

In contrast, Haute-Savoie is preparing for a return to the Tour de France in both 2026 and 2027, following its absence in the 2025 edition. As part of this reinstatement, a time trial at the Plateau de Solaison is currently being assessed, which would mark a welcome comeback for the region in the prestigious cycling race.

Amid these developments, the sports scene was also marred by tragedy as 19-year-old Italian cyclist Samuele Privitera lost his life in a crash during the Tour du Val d'Aoste. In tennis, French athlete Loïs Boisson is gearing up to compete against Bulgaria's Viktoriya Tomova in the quarter-finals of the WTA 250 event in Hamburg. Additionally, the FCG rugby club has signed a new four-year agreement with Nike for athletic equipment, while the French U20 rugby team prepares to face Argentina for third place in the World Championship, featuring local talents Mathis Baret and Lyam Akrab in the lineup.

While Pogacar's climb was impressive, it does not surpass the record set by Bjarne Riis in 1996, which stands at 34 minutes and 40 seconds. Riis's record is mired in controversy, as he has since admitted to doping, raising questions about the validity of his time. Other notable historical times include Luc Leblanc at 35:20, Miguel Indurain at 35:22, and Richard Virenque at 35:29, all of whom have faced implications of doping in their careers.

The article emphasizes the complexities of comparing these records due to differing race conditions. For instance, Leblanc's time was achieved in cold, foggy weather, whereas Pogacar tackled the climb mostly in isolation, without the strategic advantages of drafting from teammates or rivals. These variables add a nuanced layer to the evaluation of climbing performances in the Tour de France.