Russians probed over xenon doping claims February 27, 2014 RUSSIAN athletes are under investigation from the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) following claims that some may have inhaled xenon gas to enhance performance at this month’s Winter Olympics. Studies say inhaling xenon boosts production of the hormone EPO, which aids stamina. Though some non-chemical ways of increasing EPO are allowed, Wada prohibits chemical stimulation. Wada [...]
Button cheered by boost to plan for central London grand prix February 27, 2014 FORMER world champion Jenson Button’s dream of racing in a Formula One grand prix through London’s streets could yet become a reality after the government launched a six-week consultation yesterday into staging closed-road motor sports events. Governing body the Motor Sports Association is hoping to change legislation that currently prohibits races from being staged on [...]
Opening day bronze for Britain February 27, 2014 CYCLING: Britain’s Jess Varnish and Becky James won team sprint bronze on the first day of the Tracking Cycling World Championships in Colombia.
Ireland sweat over Sexton injury February 27, 2014 RUGBY UNION: Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton could miss the remainder of the Six Nations with damaged thumb ligaments.
Thousands remember Finney February 27, 2014 FOOTBALL: Thousands lined the streets of Preston yesterday for the civic funeral of former England star Sir Tom Finney, who died on 14 February.
The Black Cats won’t block City’s path to cup success February 27, 2014 BEN CLEMINSON AND BILL ESDAILE WITH THE BEST FOOTBALL AND RACING BETS FAILURE is unthinkable for Manchester City in Sunday’s Capital One Cup final against Sunderland – but they know as well as anyone that favourites don’t always win at Wembley. Last season’s FA Cup final is a perfect case study of David toppling Goliath after Wigan’s shock 1-0 victory [...]
Rebel Rebellion can give Paul Nicholls another win in Greatwood Gold Cup February 27, 2014 THIS is one of the quietest weekends of the National Hunt season as trainers get their ducks in a row ahead of Cheltenham. However, The Racecourse Newbury hosts its hugely popular Greatwood Charity Raceday tomorrow which celebrates all aspects of equestrianism. The highlight is the StanJames.com Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup (3.50pm) which has turned into [...]
The Road to Cheltenham February 27, 2014 JP MCMANUS has landed some pretty hefty coups at Cheltenham over the years and you can bet your bottom dollar that he will be lining a few up for the handicaps again this season. My Tent Or Yours is his big hope on the first day, but I’m actually more interested in Pendra in the [...]
Charts: Man Utd stars are playing 18 per cent worse under David Moyes February 27, 2014 Manchester United’s season is littered with statistics to make even ashen-faced manager David Moyes grimace, but these may be the most damning yet. A comparison of how players have performed relative to last season, using Kickdex, shows that United’s first-team regulars are on average 18 per cent less effective under Moyes than they were in [...]
Champions League: Chelsea fans urged to roar team through by Mourinho February 26, 2014 GALATASARAY 1 CHELSEA 1 CHELSEA manager Jose Mourinho has called on Blues fans to help their team reach the last-16 of the Champions League by reproducing “10 per cent” of the red-hot atmosphere that spurred Galatasaray’s comeback in the Turk Telekom Arena last night. The Blues took an early lead through striker Fernando Torres, but [...]