Latest - The Slovenian cyclist Primoz Roglic has taken a giant leap towards a maiden Tour de France title after extending his overall lead after the 17th stage.
Primoz Roglic Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Colombian Miguel Angel Lopez prevailed at the end of the mountainous 170km trek from Grenoble, 15 seconds ahead of Roglic, who extended his advantage over fellow Slovenian Tadej Pogacar to 57 seconds, four days before the final parade in Paris.
Roglic was only second best at the top of the Col de la Loze, an unforgiving 21.5km ascent at an average gradient of 7.8%, but it was enough for the Jumbo-Visma rider to tighten his grip on a race he has controlled from the start.
The 21-year-old Pogacar now faces an uphill battle to unsettle Roglic, who suffered but was never really threatened.
The stage started without defending champion Egan Bernal, who pulled out because of back pains, with his Ineos Grenadiers team saying he would focus on new goals this season.
Poglic's team-mate George Bennett is 27th overall while fellow New Zealander Jack Bauer is 104th.
-Reuters
Black Caps bowling coach re-signs
Just one spot remains unfilled on the Black Caps coaching staff.
Bowling coach Shane Jurgensen has signed on for two more years, through until the end of 2022.
Black Caps bowling coach Shane Jurgensen works with Trent Boult. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
The contract extension for the former Queensland fast-bowler means the only coaching role left to fill is a replacement for batting coach Peter Fulton, who is now head coach at Canterbury.
A three-year exentension for New Zealand head coach Gary Stead was announced earlier this month, taking him through until the end of the 2023 World Cup.
Jurgensen has built a strong coaching resume since finishing his playing career in 2007.
From 2012 to 2015, he most notably helped Bangladesh rise up the world rankings, which included a whitewash of the touring Black Caps in 2013.
He's also coached the Fiji national side and consulted to Cricket Scotland at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
McLaughlin preparing for IndyCar
The New Zealand driver Scott McLaughlin hopes to make his IndyCar debut in the United States next month, but will need a travel exemption from the Australian government.
Scott McLaughlin. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Having completed a series of successful tests for Team Penske early in the year, McLaughlin's initial 2020 IndyCar race plans were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
McLaughlin hopes to fly to Florida for the Indycars season finale a week after the last Australian Supercars race at Bathurst.
The two-time Supercars champion says it'll come down to the government giving him permission to leave.
-Supercars
Phoenix captain off to India
The former Wellington Phoenix captain Steven Taylor has signed with Odisha FC in the Indian Super League.
Steven Taylor Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Taylor spent two seasons with Wellington Phoenix and made 47 appearances for the A-League club, but made his announcement in leave the club on Monday with two years still left on his contract.
"I am extremely delighted to join Odisha FC and am hopeful that my experience and leadership qualities will be helpful for the team," said the 34 year old Englishman.
Australian defender Jacob Tratt also signed with Odisha recently.
Fonua-Blake contemplating New Zealand move
The Warriors have emerged as front-runners to land Addin Fonua-Blake who wants to leave Manly.
Fonua-Blake's "desire to relocate out of Sydney with his young family" at the end of 2020 shocked the Sea Eagles when he put his request to coach Des Hasler and ceo Stephen Humphreys on Monday.
The club has since granted the Tongan international permission to negotiate with the three-Queensland based sides and the Warriors.
Manly are hopeful the situation will be resolved by the end of the regular season, with the Warriors understood to be preparing a lucrative three-year offer for Fonua-Blake.
-NRL
Springboks' injury toll mounts
The Springboks have been dealt a second major injury blow in as many days after lock Lood de Jager was ruled out for up to six months with a reoccurrence of the shoulder injury that forced him out of last year's Rugby World Cup final.
Handre Pollard Photo: AFP
De Jager, who reinjured the shoulder playing for England's Sale Sharks, will miss the Rugby Championship in Australia later this year as well as the build-up to the British & Irish Lions series in South Africa, which is scheduled to start next July.
Key first five Handre Pollard is also set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after it was announced on Monday he had ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his knee while playing for French Top 14 side Montpellier.
Meanwhile South Africa's domestic season will finally kick into full gear when a seven-team competition starting on October 10, ending a seven-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The country's four Super Rugby sides, Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers will take part, along with PRO14 outfit the Cheetahs, and local provincial teams the Pumas and Griquas.
The competition is scheduled to finish on January 23rd.
-Reuters
Steel add shooters to ANZ Premiership squad
The Southern Steel have added some depth at the shooting end of the court for next year's ANZ netball Premiership.
Tiana Metuarau Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Steel have picked up Tiana Metuarau from the Pulse and signed England squad member George Fisher.
Silver Ferns midcourter Shannon Saunders and last season's co-captain Te Huinga Reo Selby-Rickit lead the side, alongside three other returning players Kate Heffernan, Taneisha Fifita and Kiana Pelasio.
Also new to the Steel are Renee Savai'inaea (from Pulse) as well as 2019 Beko Netball League Player of the Year Ali Wilshier, and up-and-coming talent Sarahpheinna Woulf who has previously played for the Sunshine Coast Lighting.
