After three weeks, 21 stages, visiting six countries, a compelling Tour de France is in the books. There may have been many questions leading up to the race regarding Astana and the identity of its team leader, but those were emphatically answered by a man considered to be the greatest climber of his generation, Alberto Contador.
The Spaniard, despite perhaps lacking the tactical knowledge of his team-mate and rival Lance Armstrong, knew exactly when and how to attack his rivals and put them under pressure. The first sign of his position as Astana's leader came during his ascent in Andorra on Stage 7 which put him ahead of Armstrong in the General Classification, and his fantastic display up to Verbier on Stage 15, which put him in the yellow jersey by 1:37, meant that it became his Tour to lose.
Previous years had seen Contador falter in time trials, but his 2nd place finish in the Stage 1 event in Monaco suggested that he could not only limit his losses against Armstrong, Bradley Wiggins and his other GC rivals on Stage 18 in Annecy, but actually make gains. He did just that, producing an amazing display to win the stage and, to all intents and purposes, the Tour.
All he had to do was maintain his 4:11 lead into Paris, which he did with comfort, and despite the embarrassment over standing on the podium and being played the Danish national anthem instead of the Spanish, he proudly took the final yellow jersey and the plaudits, and a place among the greats of the sport.
Sunday, 26 July 2009
Sunday, 5 July 2009
This week in sport
A few weeks ago Michael Owen was facing an uncertain future. The speculation over where he would begin the new season was widespread following his exit from Newcastle. Although there were a number of teams in for his signature, the general consensus had been that his days at the very top were in the past and he would struggle to find a club which would challenge for honours. Of course, Manchester United came calling on the first day of his free agency, the 1st July. Had it been three months ago, we would have given it the April Fool treatment, but this was no hoax, Sir Alex Ferguson was for real. Many expressed their disappointment at the deal, but I for one believe that United have secured a fantastic acquisition, bringing in a player that is desperate to prove that he is still great. After the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo, maybe United have to do the same. The World Cup is looming large; hopefully this can give England an option up front that they thought they had lost.
An enjoyable Wimbledon fortnight culminated in a fantastic Mens' Singles final on Sunday afternoon. I was worried that the occasion may be an anti-climax; surely it wouldn't live up to the drama of last year's final, and perhaps Andy Roddick had reached his peak in defeating Andy Murray on Friday. Nevertheless, I was looking forward to seeing Roger Federer reach a record 15 Grand Slam titles, and despite my expectation of a comfortable win for the Swiss, I still looked forward to the match. Thankfully my worries of a blowout were soon cast aside, and the two exchanged blows in a terrific four-hour contest. The match lasted a record 77 games, and the final set (16-14) was longer in terms of games played than most matches, including Saturday's Ladies Singles final (7-6, 6-2). Excuse the cliche, but it really was a shame there had to be a loser. It was fantastic drama, and surely was evidence of my opinion that the ladies should only recieve equal prize money to the men when they start playing five set matches.
One of my favourite sporting events of the year, the Tour de France, began in Monaco on Saturday. Of course there is widespread coverage of Lance Armstrong's return, but while some believe he can reach the Champs-Elysees in the yellow jersey for his 8th victory, I think his age and years away from the sport will prevent him from being a genuine contender. Cycling however, especially at the Tour de France, is as much a team game - if not more so - as individual, and Armstrong's presence in the Astana line-up will be a massive help for Alberto Contador, winner in 2007, and probable winner last year had the team been allowed to race. Contador should win the yellow jersey, but from a British viewpoint, I hope Mark Cavendish can bring the green jersey home. He won Sunday's Stage 2 easily following a fantastic leadout from his Columbia team, and with a team assembled for this one goal, I expect Cavendish to more than make up for his Olympic disappointment of last year.
An enjoyable Wimbledon fortnight culminated in a fantastic Mens' Singles final on Sunday afternoon. I was worried that the occasion may be an anti-climax; surely it wouldn't live up to the drama of last year's final, and perhaps Andy Roddick had reached his peak in defeating Andy Murray on Friday. Nevertheless, I was looking forward to seeing Roger Federer reach a record 15 Grand Slam titles, and despite my expectation of a comfortable win for the Swiss, I still looked forward to the match. Thankfully my worries of a blowout were soon cast aside, and the two exchanged blows in a terrific four-hour contest. The match lasted a record 77 games, and the final set (16-14) was longer in terms of games played than most matches, including Saturday's Ladies Singles final (7-6, 6-2). Excuse the cliche, but it really was a shame there had to be a loser. It was fantastic drama, and surely was evidence of my opinion that the ladies should only recieve equal prize money to the men when they start playing five set matches.
One of my favourite sporting events of the year, the Tour de France, began in Monaco on Saturday. Of course there is widespread coverage of Lance Armstrong's return, but while some believe he can reach the Champs-Elysees in the yellow jersey for his 8th victory, I think his age and years away from the sport will prevent him from being a genuine contender. Cycling however, especially at the Tour de France, is as much a team game - if not more so - as individual, and Armstrong's presence in the Astana line-up will be a massive help for Alberto Contador, winner in 2007, and probable winner last year had the team been allowed to race. Contador should win the yellow jersey, but from a British viewpoint, I hope Mark Cavendish can bring the green jersey home. He won Sunday's Stage 2 easily following a fantastic leadout from his Columbia team, and with a team assembled for this one goal, I expect Cavendish to more than make up for his Olympic disappointment of last year.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
It all comes down to this...Survival Sunday.
Manchester United might have sealed their 11th Barclays Premier League title last week, but before they aim to complete the treble with victory in Rome against Barcelona, they just might have the final say domestically - at the bottom of the table.
Survival Sunday sees the champions travel to the KC Stadium to face a Hull City side who are just one win away from an unlikely escape from relegation. Of course, with the Champions League final to follow three days later, Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to ring the changes, with Darren Fletcher - suspended for Wednesday - the only high-profile name likely to feature.
The North-East sides involved are all likely to question such a selection, yet sides are relegated over a 38-game performance, not because their rivals are lucky enough to come up against a so-called weakened outfit when it matters most. Even then, with all due respect to Hull, any eleven players that wear a Manchester United shirt, whether first team or youth team, are going to fancy their chances against a first-choice Tigers XI; that is what Manchester United is all about.
Sir Alex will surely face criticism if Hull do manage a result, but in my opinion, by winning the league with a week to spare, he has earned the right to field any side he wishes, and should be under no pressure to put out his big guns. I'm sure those queuing up to get on his back will be changing their tune and saying what a genius he is if he then wins another European Cup. You can't have it both ways.
For the record, I think Phil Brown will pull one out of the fire and pick up a result, irrespective of the opposition's personnel.
As for the other contenders, I think Sunderland may just have done enough to get out of it, although Ricky Sbragia will be taking nothing for granted at home to a Chelsea team likely to be full of players looking for a place in Guus Hiddink's final starting XI, at Wembley for the FA Cup final. Even a Sunderland defeat should be enough due to their rivals' being in even worse predicaments, but 16th place wasn't in the script a year ago.
Middlesbrough already need snookers, and will not get much change out of West Ham. Teams have turned around a five-goal deficit in goal difference before, but not teams with just 27 to their name all season. Their sorry campaign will finish with a whimper at Upton Park.
As for Newcastle, all the hope that came with victory at home to Middlesbrough soon evaporated once Fulham left St James' Park with a win on Saturday. The Toon Army found out the hard way that Roy Hodgson's side are not the pushovers away from home they once were. Michael Owen missed that game, and he looks unlikely to play at Villa Park. As a result, they may struggle for goals, as they have all season, and I think the game is up for them.
Survival Sunday sees the champions travel to the KC Stadium to face a Hull City side who are just one win away from an unlikely escape from relegation. Of course, with the Champions League final to follow three days later, Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to ring the changes, with Darren Fletcher - suspended for Wednesday - the only high-profile name likely to feature.
The North-East sides involved are all likely to question such a selection, yet sides are relegated over a 38-game performance, not because their rivals are lucky enough to come up against a so-called weakened outfit when it matters most. Even then, with all due respect to Hull, any eleven players that wear a Manchester United shirt, whether first team or youth team, are going to fancy their chances against a first-choice Tigers XI; that is what Manchester United is all about.
Sir Alex will surely face criticism if Hull do manage a result, but in my opinion, by winning the league with a week to spare, he has earned the right to field any side he wishes, and should be under no pressure to put out his big guns. I'm sure those queuing up to get on his back will be changing their tune and saying what a genius he is if he then wins another European Cup. You can't have it both ways.
For the record, I think Phil Brown will pull one out of the fire and pick up a result, irrespective of the opposition's personnel.
As for the other contenders, I think Sunderland may just have done enough to get out of it, although Ricky Sbragia will be taking nothing for granted at home to a Chelsea team likely to be full of players looking for a place in Guus Hiddink's final starting XI, at Wembley for the FA Cup final. Even a Sunderland defeat should be enough due to their rivals' being in even worse predicaments, but 16th place wasn't in the script a year ago.
Middlesbrough already need snookers, and will not get much change out of West Ham. Teams have turned around a five-goal deficit in goal difference before, but not teams with just 27 to their name all season. Their sorry campaign will finish with a whimper at Upton Park.
As for Newcastle, all the hope that came with victory at home to Middlesbrough soon evaporated once Fulham left St James' Park with a win on Saturday. The Toon Army found out the hard way that Roy Hodgson's side are not the pushovers away from home they once were. Michael Owen missed that game, and he looks unlikely to play at Villa Park. As a result, they may struggle for goals, as they have all season, and I think the game is up for them.
Monday, 11 May 2009
Dealing with expectation and critics
I have long been a fan of pub poker and how it promotes the game to new players. I also like how each league and each pub forms its own communities, yet in my opinion this can only work effectively if each player is willing to contribute to the game.
I write this out of frustration that I don't feel that people's roles are being taken seriously. Earlier tonight at my pub game I described my role as dealer and co-Tournament Director as thankless following a heated argument with a couple of fellow players over a ruling that threatened to get out of hand had I let it. Although some of those in the game disagreed, I feel that some in our league are taking my greater experience and expertise for granted and taking me to task over any errors or minor disagreements in the rules. I feel that I have set myself up for an unfair fall.
Why do I think it is thankless? Basically, any mistakes I may make as dealer or Tournament Director seem to be pounced upon and brought up time and again. One player told me he could remember 'five mistakes and misdeals in one week'. I must deal 100 hands a night, it's not like I mess up on purpose. Everybody makes mistakes, but I don't see anyone else in the room volunteering to deal, in fact it is assumed that I will do it. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind doing it; I just mind when the deck is handed to me without thought. Dealing is not a difficult skill, but is not easy to deal a whole three-hour game without mistakes, or stopping to think where you are at in a hand, and I wish people would stop to think themselves that without those willing to put themselves up to do the job, the tournaments would not run.
As it happens, the added responsibility and pressure has detracted from my own poker play and enjoyment of the whole experience to an extent where it has made me think long and hard about whether it is worth it. When so-called friends and fellow players don't appreciate your effort, maybe it is time to consider whether it is worthwhile.
I write this out of frustration that I don't feel that people's roles are being taken seriously. Earlier tonight at my pub game I described my role as dealer and co-Tournament Director as thankless following a heated argument with a couple of fellow players over a ruling that threatened to get out of hand had I let it. Although some of those in the game disagreed, I feel that some in our league are taking my greater experience and expertise for granted and taking me to task over any errors or minor disagreements in the rules. I feel that I have set myself up for an unfair fall.
Why do I think it is thankless? Basically, any mistakes I may make as dealer or Tournament Director seem to be pounced upon and brought up time and again. One player told me he could remember 'five mistakes and misdeals in one week'. I must deal 100 hands a night, it's not like I mess up on purpose. Everybody makes mistakes, but I don't see anyone else in the room volunteering to deal, in fact it is assumed that I will do it. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind doing it; I just mind when the deck is handed to me without thought. Dealing is not a difficult skill, but is not easy to deal a whole three-hour game without mistakes, or stopping to think where you are at in a hand, and I wish people would stop to think themselves that without those willing to put themselves up to do the job, the tournaments would not run.
As it happens, the added responsibility and pressure has detracted from my own poker play and enjoyment of the whole experience to an extent where it has made me think long and hard about whether it is worth it. When so-called friends and fellow players don't appreciate your effort, maybe it is time to consider whether it is worthwhile.
Tuesday, 5 May 2009
Semi-final thoughts
As I sat down to watch the Champions League semi-final 2nd leg between Arsenal and Manchester United, I felt that there would be an early goal. Had it gone to the home side, we would have been in for a terrific occasion which may have rivalled the 4-4 draws of recent weeks for excitement. Instead, it was the visitors who got it. An unfortunate slip from left-back Kieran Gibbs gifted Ji-Sung Park the opener. Arsenal then needed to score three to reach the final, and when Cristiano Ronaldo brilliantly made it 2-0 on the night just four minutes later, the game was over before it had really begun.
There was a real sense of anti-climax for home fans inside the Emirates Stadium as well as neutrals watching at home. But amid the feeling of disappointment that the predicted spectacle of a match wasn't happening, United were cruising, and threatening to make it embarrassing at times. I take my hat off to them for the way they outplayed their hosts. They were well worth their sizeable advantage and played attractive football along the way, culminating in a wonderful third goal from a counter attack Arsenal themselves would have been proud of.
It came at a cost though. It was extremely disappointing to see the referee make such a bad decision to award Arsenal their penalty, and especially to send Darren Fletcher off for what was clearly a great tackle. I'm sure that UEFA's ruling that only cases of mistaken identity can cause a red card to be rescinded will be reviewed in time for next season.
As for Arsenal, it's now four years without a trophy, unthinkable for a club of their size and stature. I have long thought that Arsene Wenger - a firm believer in giving his youngsters the chance to flourish - needs to swallow his pride and bring in several quality players with enough experience to make his team great again.
There was a real sense of anti-climax for home fans inside the Emirates Stadium as well as neutrals watching at home. But amid the feeling of disappointment that the predicted spectacle of a match wasn't happening, United were cruising, and threatening to make it embarrassing at times. I take my hat off to them for the way they outplayed their hosts. They were well worth their sizeable advantage and played attractive football along the way, culminating in a wonderful third goal from a counter attack Arsenal themselves would have been proud of.
It came at a cost though. It was extremely disappointing to see the referee make such a bad decision to award Arsenal their penalty, and especially to send Darren Fletcher off for what was clearly a great tackle. I'm sure that UEFA's ruling that only cases of mistaken identity can cause a red card to be rescinded will be reviewed in time for next season.
As for Arsenal, it's now four years without a trophy, unthinkable for a club of their size and stature. I have long thought that Arsene Wenger - a firm believer in giving his youngsters the chance to flourish - needs to swallow his pride and bring in several quality players with enough experience to make his team great again.
Monday, 6 April 2009
Macheda's defining moment for United
True champions never know when they are beaten. nor do they have to play well to get the results. Yet after two successive defeats, the jury was out on Manchester United in what had become a must-win game against Aston Villa.
Following Liverpool's latest stoppage time success against Fulham - their 8th goal in added time this season - the pressure was on for United against a Villa side who were surely going to put up a better fight than in their 5-0 reverse at Anfield.
That was the way it turned out, and when the visitors took a 2-1 lead, the writing was on the wall for Sir Alex's men. It didn't look good, even after Cristiano Ronaldo had equalised, particularly with no Wayne Rooney or Dimitar Berbatov to lead the line. Ferguson was running out of time and options as he chased the all-important winner which would prevent Liverpool becoming title favourites if not certainties.
Enter 17-year -old Federico Macheda, or Federico Who as he may have been known at the time. The young Italian striker, on his debut, took the ball on the edge of the area, before making a great turn and wonderfully finding the corner of Brad Friedel's net. The understudy to Wayne Rooney had introduced himself to the football world in almost the same fashion as Rooney himself did in 2002 at Goodison Park.
We were asked seven years ago by commentator Clive Tyldesley to 'remember the name, Wayne Rooney'. We will certainly remember Macheda's if, as I expect, his goal has swung the pendulum back towards Old Trafford and has sealed their 11th Premier League title, and, a record equalling 18th top flight success.
Following Liverpool's latest stoppage time success against Fulham - their 8th goal in added time this season - the pressure was on for United against a Villa side who were surely going to put up a better fight than in their 5-0 reverse at Anfield.
That was the way it turned out, and when the visitors took a 2-1 lead, the writing was on the wall for Sir Alex's men. It didn't look good, even after Cristiano Ronaldo had equalised, particularly with no Wayne Rooney or Dimitar Berbatov to lead the line. Ferguson was running out of time and options as he chased the all-important winner which would prevent Liverpool becoming title favourites if not certainties.
Enter 17-year -old Federico Macheda, or Federico Who as he may have been known at the time. The young Italian striker, on his debut, took the ball on the edge of the area, before making a great turn and wonderfully finding the corner of Brad Friedel's net. The understudy to Wayne Rooney had introduced himself to the football world in almost the same fashion as Rooney himself did in 2002 at Goodison Park.
We were asked seven years ago by commentator Clive Tyldesley to 'remember the name, Wayne Rooney'. We will certainly remember Macheda's if, as I expect, his goal has swung the pendulum back towards Old Trafford and has sealed their 11th Premier League title, and, a record equalling 18th top flight success.
Monday, 16 March 2009
It's not over yet...
Had Manchester United beaten, or even drew with Liverpool on Saturday, not only could the engraver have started work on the Premier League trophy two months early, they might as well have presented the league leaders with it after the game. Two down, three to go perhaps. Perhaps not.
Not even the most optimistic of Kopites could have thought of going back home with a 4-1 victory, but it was certainly deserved. Sir Alex Ferguson was kidding himself but nobody else when he had the audacity to claim that his United side were the better team. As embarrassing as United were on Saturday, Liverpool played the big occasion perfectly, as we have come to expect. They will rightly think they still have a chance in the title race. but it is still out of their hands.
Chelsea knew the job they had to do yesterday, and a 1-0 victory over Manchester City was exactly what they needed to continue their revival. Guus Hiddink has given the team a new lease of life; no longer afraid to play both Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba together, and with a fit-again Michael Essien pulling the midfield strings like a new signing. Still unbeaten since the sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Londoners will still live in hope of spoiling the party. Amid all he talk of the United Quintuple, it is easy to forget that Chelsea could still win probably the most unlikely of Trebles in history.
Although there are now three teams in the hunt, I still have a feeling that the most important team in the league right now is Arsenal, a resurgent side, following not only their Champions League exploits, but their new-found belief domestically. They are on the back of two great results - even Emmanuel Eboue scored two on Saturday - and have been boosted with the return of Theo Walcott and the imminent reintroduction of Cesc Fabregas to the midfield. Not only do I think they are now shoo-ins for 4th place, it is they who could decide the destination of the league title.
They are only team left to play all of the top three; Chelsea at home, United and Liverpool away. Any points they pick up in these games could ultimately win or lose the others the race. While Chelsea and Liverpool probably have to take a perfect 27 points from the last nine games to stand a chance, neither look likely to do it given Arsenal's potential.
Of course that does not necessarily mean it's United's league already, Arsenal's visit to Old Trafford on the penultimate week of the season could be a cracker, and it could be a very nervous afternoon for the home side, especially if they fail to win all of their preceding home games against Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham, all of which are potential slip-ups.
The league table still suggests it will be a record-equalling 18th title for United - the bookmakers still quoting 1-12 - but there may now be some optimistic bets placed elsewhere. There might just be life in the title race yet, and if not, there's always the relegation scrap to excite us right to the final day.
Not even the most optimistic of Kopites could have thought of going back home with a 4-1 victory, but it was certainly deserved. Sir Alex Ferguson was kidding himself but nobody else when he had the audacity to claim that his United side were the better team. As embarrassing as United were on Saturday, Liverpool played the big occasion perfectly, as we have come to expect. They will rightly think they still have a chance in the title race. but it is still out of their hands.
Chelsea knew the job they had to do yesterday, and a 1-0 victory over Manchester City was exactly what they needed to continue their revival. Guus Hiddink has given the team a new lease of life; no longer afraid to play both Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba together, and with a fit-again Michael Essien pulling the midfield strings like a new signing. Still unbeaten since the sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Londoners will still live in hope of spoiling the party. Amid all he talk of the United Quintuple, it is easy to forget that Chelsea could still win probably the most unlikely of Trebles in history.
Although there are now three teams in the hunt, I still have a feeling that the most important team in the league right now is Arsenal, a resurgent side, following not only their Champions League exploits, but their new-found belief domestically. They are on the back of two great results - even Emmanuel Eboue scored two on Saturday - and have been boosted with the return of Theo Walcott and the imminent reintroduction of Cesc Fabregas to the midfield. Not only do I think they are now shoo-ins for 4th place, it is they who could decide the destination of the league title.
They are only team left to play all of the top three; Chelsea at home, United and Liverpool away. Any points they pick up in these games could ultimately win or lose the others the race. While Chelsea and Liverpool probably have to take a perfect 27 points from the last nine games to stand a chance, neither look likely to do it given Arsenal's potential.
Of course that does not necessarily mean it's United's league already, Arsenal's visit to Old Trafford on the penultimate week of the season could be a cracker, and it could be a very nervous afternoon for the home side, especially if they fail to win all of their preceding home games against Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham, all of which are potential slip-ups.
The league table still suggests it will be a record-equalling 18th title for United - the bookmakers still quoting 1-12 - but there may now be some optimistic bets placed elsewhere. There might just be life in the title race yet, and if not, there's always the relegation scrap to excite us right to the final day.
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