Connect with us

Sports

Zoe Backstedt: British champion targets Tour de France Femmes debut after wonder week

Published

on

If Backstedt does get her wish in a little over a month’s time, she will not be the first member of her family to ride a Tour de France.

Father Magnus rode cycling’s most prestigious Grand Tour seven times between 1998 and 2008 – winning a stage on his own Le Tour debut – so it is no surprise to see both his daughters forging successful careers on two wheels.

“Well, my parents were always into cycling,” said Backstedt, whose older sister Elynor is a professional with UAE Team ADQ.

“My mum was also British road race champion when she was racing still, it really runs in the family to be a cyclist.

“We always had the choice to go into different sports but everything just led towards cycling and, in the end, I’m so happy that I pursued it.

“I love this sport sometimes – I mean, don’t get me wrong, sometimes it’s awful – but sometimes these days, like yesterday, just make it all worth it.”

>

Continue Reading

Sports

St Mirren 1-0 St Johnstone

Published

on


Highlights from the Scottish Premiership match between St Mirren and St Johnstone

>

Continue Reading

Sports

'That is another crunching finish!' | Hickey lands DEVASTATING knockout

Published

on


Sam Hickey’s huge right hand knocked out Brad Axe in the seventh round of their contest.

>

Continue Reading

Sports

WNBA commissioner stresses integrity, respect on topic of transgender athletes in league-wide memo

Published

on

In a memo sent to team presidents, general managers and coaches Friday, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert advised the league’s leaders on their approach to the topic of transgender participation in women’s sports. The commissioner stressed approaching it with integrity and respect, without specifically defining the league’s stance.

The issue has dominated conversation around the WNBA in the wake of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s recent comments in favor of excluding trans athletes from women’s sports.

Engelbert listed three guiding principles for the league in the discussion but did not clarify whether or not trans athletes are allowed to play in the WNBA.

“First, we will always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the long-standing values of our league,” she wrote in the memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Athletic. “Second, our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained. Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the league’s highest priorities.”

There is no mention of trans athletes in the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement, although the document does state that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA.”

Engelbert wrote in the memo that the league has a previously scheduled meeting of a task force of presidents and GMs in the coming week that will address this conversation and other league issues.

In the wake of Cunningham’s comments and the subsequent rallies that have followed the Indiana Fever at road games, the commissioner acknowledged that she expects “this topic will continue to receive significant attention.” She praised team leadership for their response to increasing questions and invited them to continue reaching out to her with questions and perspectives.

Coaches around the league have frequently been asked about the issue since Cunningham first told ESPN she wants to “protect young girls in a locker room” and that “they shouldn’t have to go against biological men.”

Cheryl Reeve has been the loudest voice in favor of inclusion of transgender kids in particular. Golden State Valkyries All-Star Gabby Williams welcomed transgender athletes joining the WNBA, while the Women’s National Basketball Players Association released a statement denouncing “hate, abuse, and demonization” of the transgender community.

>

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2017 Zox News Theme. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress.