Tom Pidcock starts the Tour of the Alps today — less than four weeks after a terrifying crash in Catalunya, in which he "lost a life". His recovery was meant to take double that time — he spoke exclusively to @theathletic.com about his return. Free to read:

Remco Evenepoel wins Amstel Gold, setting up vintage Liège-Bastogne-Liège next week. What a victory for Paula Blasi too, who switched to cycling from triathlon just two years ago. The bad? Nasty crash for Matteo Jorgenson leads to collarbone fears. www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...

EXCLUSIVE: Tom Pidcock is back — and will ride the Tour of the Alps this week ahead of Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Pidcock spoke for the first time in detail about his horror 60kph crash — and took @theathletic.com inside his remarkable recovery. Free to read:

Saudi Arabia sack Herve Renard as manager just 59 days before their World Cup opener. A lot going on behind the scenes here. Story with Guillermo Rai: www.nytimes.com/athletic/716...

Two weeks after colliding with a car on a training ride, Caja-Rural’s Jaume Guardeno remains in a critical condition on Sabadell hospital's intensive care ward. Team say further treatments are planned for the coming days, with his condition stabilised. www.nytimes.com/athletic/719...

Some thoughts on Pogacar's Paris-Roubaix. For all his bad luck, without MvdP at the front, it may have been his best shot. This is a capricious race he cannot rely on talent & training alone to win. There are no guarantees he will be this close again. www.nytimes.com/athletic/719...

A piece I always wanted to write, but never knew if I would. Wout Van Aert wins Paris-Roubaix, finally, thanks to absent friends, the scars that came before, and a nation that never stopped believing. Free to read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/719...

Wout van Aert wins Paris-Roubaix. The greatest one-day race of the decade? Certainly the most deserved result. Fathers cry, Belgium erupts, Van Aert finally takes a cobbled Monument. Full analysis: www.nytimes.com/athletic/718...

At l’Enfer du Nord, if hell has a soul, it can be found in the clubhouse of Les Amis de Paris-Roubaix. These volunteers painstakingly restore and replace thousands of cobblestones ahead of cycling's toughest one-day race — with the help of a few goats:

Welcome to the Hell of the North. Paris-Roubaix is this weekend - with Tadej Pogacar one race away from completing his Monument set. But, the cobbles, the mechanicals, the lack of elevation…. Full preview: www.nytimes.com/athletic/718...

Formal investigation launched by Belgian prosecutors into two-dozen riders including Pogacar & Evenepoel after peloton runs level crossing red light at Ronde van Vlaanderen. “Such violations are unacceptable, even in a sporting context.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/717...

A remarkable attack from Paul Seixas. He's not just winning WorldTour races at 19 years old — but decimating the peloton in 30 seconds at Iztulia Basque Country today. This was how he felt at the Dauphine less than a year ago — he's now already a top three climber in the world.

What a win for 19yo Paul Seixas in the Iztulia Basque Country yesterday. He's a special one. Also, however, a major win for Decathlon-CMA CGM's time trial team. I spent time with them at last year's Tour de France — they've gone from an underperforming TT unit to one of the best.

Demi Vollering is more afraid of standing still than taking risks. On Sunday, the Dutchwoman finally won the Ronde van Vlaanderen. This is what it looked like from behind the scenes with FDJ-Suez — the emotion, the tactics, the doubt. Long read for @theathleticfc.bsky.social:

Friend and foes? Tadej Pogacar says he is glad Remco Evenepoel is racing at Flanders - and says he has told Jonas Vingegaard to join them at the Classics as well. www.nytimes.com/athletic/716...

In Flanders for the Ronde van Vlaanderen. For the first time in years, Pogacar, Van der Poel, Van Aert and Evenepoel will start the same one-day race. Can anyone stop Pogacar? Can anyone, for that matter, stop Kopecky? Full preview of men's & women's races:

Caja-Rural's Jaume Guardeno in intensive care after collision with vehicle in training. A 23yo, impressive 14th on Vuelta debut, & set to lead team at Tour de France this summer. It's so sad — and massively frustrating — that these events are so common.

Former rugby union player and brain injury activist Shane Christie posthumously diagnosed with CTE after taking his own life in August 2025. His former partner says it means “his life was vindicated” — but that it was time “we listen and change”.

Graham Potter described it as an out of body experience. Viktor Gyokeres’ last-minute winner sent Sweden to the World Cup - igniting a proud but underperforming footballing nation. Report from a feverish Stockholm. www.nytimes.com/athletic/716...

New: Muriel Furrer investigation rules there will be no criminal charges into 18yo cyclist's death — but admits that 85 minutes passed before she was discovered. Still major questions for organisers to answer. Family remain "particularly concerned". www.nytimes.com/athletic/715...

Max Verstappen admits he is considering retirement. Stepping away at his peak? Read Borg, Luck, and Barry John. He has lived like a professional driver since before he even reached his teenage years. Sometimes it is easier to empathise than understand. www.nytimes.com/athletic/715...

Mathieu van der Poel is usually majesty made manifest on the bike. He was pushed to the ragged edge of his form as he somehow won a thrilling edition of E3. www.nytimes.com/athletic/715...

Good news from Italy as Debora Silvestri released from hospital. She suffered a terrifying crash at Milan-Sanremo six days ago which left her needing respiratory assistance to treat severe chest trauma. www.nytimes.com/athletic/715...

Exclusive: Russia have used chess as propaganda for decades — but a landmark CAS decision, released earlier today, challenges their claimed sovereignty over Ukraine. Russia must either stop organising chess in its occupied territories — or be banned from the sport they hold dearest.

Sandro Tonali has never appeared for Italy in a major tournament. On Thursday evening, the #NUFC midfielder's superb half-volley sent Italy to the verge of their first World Cup for 12 years.

After a terrifying fall from a mountain, Michael Valgren faced his sporting mortality. After almost two years out, the popular Dane is now a winner once again — and has thoughts on a sport which now lacks "humanity". Free to read: www.nytimes.com/athletic/714...

Johan Cruyff died 10 years ago today. A couple of summers ago, I travelled to Amsterdam to see a roll of wallpaper. Dated and patterned with roses, the scribbles on its underside explain the shape of modern European football as we know it. www.nytimes.com/athletic/557...

Massively admired Florian Lipowitz's chutzpah at last year's Tour. Interview in @theathletic.com from Andy McGrath: “I don’t like to sit in the wheels not being a real part of the race. I think it’s my style to make some action, even if it’s sometimes a bit stupid.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/714...

One of the best races of the decade. Pogacar comes back to win elusive Milan-Sanremo after crash — look at what it meant — just holding off a career-best performance from Tom Pidcock. Even amidst dominance, you sometimes need reminding of his majesty. With @oilysailor.bsky.social:

Iran women back home after week-long journey, 2 remain in Australia. 5 opted to reject humanitarian visas & met teammates in Malaysia after leaving Australia. Squad then flew to Turkey via Oman before road crossing into Iran on Weds. @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/713...

FIFA criticised by former ICJ judge after claiming Israel FA can’t be sanctioned due to the West Bank’s “unresolved legal status”. “FIFA have to be held accountable for deliberately contradicting an ICJ ruling on the Palestinian occupied territories.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/713...

On Ronnie, and a record 153 break which only provides a glimmer of his talent. www.nytimes.com/athletic/713...

Milan-San Remo is no longer the sprinters' classic, but that evolution has arguably made it into something more special. Can't wait for it. Pogacar, Van der Poel, or a shock third contender? Full race preview with Jess Hopkins & @oilysailor.bsky.social. www.nytimes.com/athletic/712...

The Iran football team have returned home after a journey of over a week. Two of the original seven defectors remain in Australia. Horrible situation on all sides.

Some of this is definitely on Barcelona's defending, but can't remember the last time that Newcastle turned possession into concrete opportunities like this. Permanently have a spare runner on the flanks.

Jonas Vingegaard wins Paris-Nice, Isaac Del Toro wins Tirreno-Adriatico. Isn’t it a shame we won’t see these two duke it out at the Giro d’Italia in May.

A crazy day with huge time gaps at a rain-soaked Paris-Nice — really hope that Juan Ayuso's injuries aren't as bad as they looked. After his abandonment, Jonas Vingegaard takes over yellow following an explosive final kilometre attack. www.nytimes.com/athletic/710...

Over the past 48 hours, Iran's footballers faced a near impossible decision. Return to Iran and risk their own safety; or stay in Australia and leave their families. Spoke to over two-dozen sources about how the six defectors' escape unfolded and the conditions they endured. Free to read:

🔲 Agony, ecstasy, or a combo? 😖🙌 🔳 Relentless, breathless #NUFC 💨 🔲 Referee debate ⚖️ 🔳 Big Osula call - & what it says 👀 🔲 Barnes' big moment ⚽ 🔳 Pen pain 😞 🎧 New @podonthetyne.bsky.social 'Extra Tyne' for subs - Matchday #NUFC. 1-1 #FCB w/ @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social podonthetyne.supportingcast.fm

FT: #NUFC 1-1 Barcelona Sickener of a late penalty after Harvey Barnes looked to have given Newcastle their first win over Barcelona since 1997. Howe's side were the better team over 90 minutes, holding their visitors chanceless... will need to psychologically regroup.

HT: #NUFC 0-0 Barcelona Newcastle's plan is working — they are finding space behind Barcelona and are causing problems with crosses from the right. No glaring chances for either side — Burn narrowly avoiding turning into his own net probably the closest we've come.

A return to #NUFC duty for me today alongside @chrisdhwaugh.bsky.social Newcastle vs Barcelona, the #UCL knockouts, and really, what a place to be.

Visma have always been innovative. Now they are using AI to optimise every level of the team — including race strategy. CEO Richard Plugge doesn't care about the jokes. “There will be a tipping point moment. At some point, it may become a decision-making tool rather than an evaluation tool.”

BREAKING: Five players defect from Iran women's football team and are being cared for in an Australian Federal Police safe house. Occurred early on Monday evening with police help. Their absence was discovered at team dinner. Players had been threatened by the regime and called "wartime traitors".

New: Urgent talks are taking place between FIFA, the AFC, and the Australian government over whether it is possible to extend the Iran women’s team’s stay in the country for their own safety. Fluid situation but no flights to Iran currently booked.

Pogacar wins Strade Bianche again. What a surprise. But another star was also made on the white roads — 19yo Paul Seixas demonstrated, definitively, the promise of tomorrow. Plus, Elise Chabbey wins from elite selection after moto chaos. Analysis: www.nytimes.com/athletic/709...

It's the Omloop Het Niewsblad. And what does that mean? We are so back. Mathieu van der Poel sets up battle with Tadej Pogacar after dominant win, while Demi Vollering edges the latest in a rivalry of her own... www.nytimes.com/athletic/707...

Big signing for @theathletic.com. Very excited to have the dogged @cmbreports.bsky.social (his choice of adjective) writing for us during the upcoming season. First up: why cycling’s doping ghosts appear to be rising once again:

On Jessie Diggins' final Olympic race. Undoubtedly, an athlete who left her sport in a better place than she found it, who redefined the sport's relationship with suffering, who was only ever bowing out one way.

EXCLUSIVE: Johannes Høsflot Klæbo has just produced the most dominant Winter Olympic performance ever. Six golds, six events. Two days ago before making history, the cross-country skier gave @theathletic.com access to his final preparations. Free to read.