-
African results justify World Cup slots increase amid criticism
-
MSF Ebola training in Kenya prepares doctors for 'intense' job
-
Jordan humbled to break try record as All Blacks rout Italy 47-17
-
Duplantis thrives on new home turf in Monaco
-
Jordan breaks All Blacks try record in 47-17 rout of Italy
-
England battle Norway as Argentina face Swiss in World Cup last eight
-
New Zealand, India strike 'milestone' strategic partnership
-
Iran hits back at Trump after insists truce over
-
Thousands shelter in Taiwan as typhoon lashes Japan islands
-
Scaloni wants 'never-say-die' legacy for Argentina
-
New Zealand, India form 'strategic partnership'
-
Scaloni wants Argentina's legacy to be 'never say die'
-
Courtois 'proud' as sun sets on Belgium's 'Golden Generation'
-
Spain into World Cup semi-final with France after late strike against Belgium
-
Economic uncertainty looms over Venezuela quake zone
-
Boeing unveils new 737 MAX production line as aviation giant charts comeback
-
'Beast' Haaland a different player to me, says Kane
-
Wemby inks Spurs extension, tells fans 'I'm here to stay'
-
My goals don't matter if we win World Cup, says Yamal
-
Courtois backs Lammens to bounce back after World Cup blunder
-
Spain's Merino living 'wildest dreams' with late World Cup winners
-
NBA T-Wolves add Ball and Green as James eyes options
-
Apple sues OpenAI for stealing trade secrets
-
England's Rice, Guehi and James train ahead of Norway World Cup clash
-
Spain set up World Cup semi-final with France after late win against Belgium
-
Merino strikes late as Spain beat Belgium to set up France World Cup semi
-
Alfred trumps Thomas in battle of Olympic sprint champions
-
Ohtani to miss All-Star Game for treatment on knee
-
Brutal heat wave forecast for western US this weekend
-
Hundreds of Peruvian newborns named after Norway striker Haaland
-
Music industry launches AI-generated content labels
-
Wall Street gets small boost from SK hynix debut
-
SK hynix surges on first day of trading on Wall Street
-
Deschamps leads France to familiar territory in final World Cup
-
Edwards leaves role with Liverpool owners FSG
-
Alfred goes third in 200m all-time list, Wanyonyi smashes 1km mark
-
Wemby to Spurs fans: 'I'm here to stay, whatever it takes'
-
Trump agrees to more Iran talks but insists truce is over
-
Trump administration weakens habitat protections for endangered species
-
'No secret' that Kane v Haaland the key to England clash, says Norway coach Solbakken
-
Scheffler misses first cut in four years as McIlroy leads at Scottish Open
-
Prince Harry and family meet King Charles: UK media
-
Nearly 50 abducted pupils, teachers rescued in Nigeria
-
Sinner salutes 'true inspiration' Djokovic after ending rival's Wimbledon bid
-
Wanyonyi sets new world best in men's 1,000m
-
US senators announce Trump deal on Russia sanctions bill
-
Djokovic expects to be back at Wimbledon next year
-
Foreigners among 12 killed in ferocious Spain wildfire
-
Sinner, Zverev power into Wimbledon final
-
Vinicius apologizes to Brazilians for World Cup 'frustration'
Tour de France to start in Barcelona in 2026
The Tour de France will start in Barcelona in 2026, the third time the 21-day event has started in Spain in over a century of racing, organisers ASO announced on Tuesday.
It will be the fourth Grand Depart to be held abroad in five editions with 2022 in Copenhagen, 2023 in Bilbao and the up-coming 2024 edition due to embark July 21 from Florence.
Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni was present at the announcement and his city hopes to unveil the refurbished cathedral Sagrada Familia in 2026 too.
ASO director Christian Prudhomme insisted the Tour would always respect its roots and visit the smaller towns and villages, but said he was delighted with the 2026 venue.
"Barcelona is a prestigious city and it is a city of sport," Prudhomme told AFP of what will be the 113th edition of the Tour.
He said two complete stages would take place in Catalonia and the third stage would also begin there before crossing into France.
He was excited about the platform a city such as Barcelona would provide for the build up to the so called Grand Depart in terms of global television audiences.
"These types of Grand Depart make the Tour de France glisten even brighter," said the man who has grown the Tour's brand over recent years.
Cycling's most famous race started in San Sebastian in 1992 and in Bilbao last year.
Next year the Tour starts in northern French city Lille.
The 2024 Tour de France will end in Nice on July 21 in a change from its normal route because of the preparations for the Olympics in Paris.
Y.Baker--AT