World’s top cyclists begin long-awaited Saudi Tour 2023

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A total of 112 leading local and top international cyclists representing 16 teams are participating in the long-awaited Saudi Tour that started today and ends on Feb. 3. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 February 2023
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World’s top cyclists begin long-awaited Saudi Tour 2023

  • Eyes on the Kingdom’s team participating in the event that runs until Feb. 3

RIYADH: A total of 112 leading local and top international cyclists representing 16 teams are participating in the long-awaited Saudi Tour that started today and ends on Feb. 3.

The announcement of the field was made at a press conference on Sunday in AlUla, in the presence of several of the riders and officials from the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Arabia Cycling Federation.

Present at the event was the SACF’s spokesperson Abdulaziz Al-Shahrani, spokesperson for the Royal Commission for AlUla Philip Jones, spokesperson for the Amaury Sports Organization Gion Marino, Saudi national team cyclist Hassan Al-Jumaa, Dutch cyclist Dylan Groenewegen and German cyclist John Degenkolb.

“Saudi Arabia’s hosting of such sporting events increases the culture of practicing sports, especially since the mass base for cycling is large and growing,” said Al-Shahrani. He said this would serve as a massive boost for the sport domestically.

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Jones said he was pleased to host the Saudi Tour for the second time in AlUla, which would consolidate the region’s spectacular growth of the past few years. He commended the partnership between AlUla Governorate, the Ministry of Sports, and the SACF.

“If you haven’t been to AlUla in the past year, you really haven’t been (anywhere),” Jones told Arab News. “This destination has undergone significant change, and if you look around, you will find new hotels, restaurants, several new visitor assets, and we are adding a new district called Al-Jadida. Hosting an event like the Saudi Tour allows us to invite international media so they can witness the changes for themselves.”

Commenting on the Australian Jayco AlUla team, sponsored by the RCU, Jones said: “They have great chances in the race, and I am a fan of it, especially since we sponsor this team, and it bears the name of the city that we aspire to be the most civilized city in the world.”

Amaury’s Marinon said the five new routes of the race, over a total distance of 830 kilometers, with new areas and locations, would provide an ideal platform for the contestants to perform.

“The countries of the world are following with enthusiasm the course of the race this year,” said Marinon. “There are many different programs allocated in different countries to cover the event.”

Dutch cyclist Groenewegen said: “I am excited about this race, and I came to AlUla to win. And I also feel very proud to be in the 2023 Saudi Tour.”

During the inauguration ceremony of the Saudi Tour, Deputy Minister of Sports Badr Al-Qadi spoke to Arab News about the importance of the race, which he said was demonstrating the “leadership” of the nation’s sports sector.

“His Highness Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal leads the sector and has an integrated strategy (developed). This strategy aims to increase the percentage of sports practice, improve the performance of elite athletes, and discover talent. This event aims to discover talent and diversify sports, including cycling.”

Many eyes will be on the Kingdom’s national team, and the athletes have been encouraged to embrace the experience.

Haider Al-Essa, head of the SACF delegation, said: “We assembled the Saudi squad and advised them to enjoy themselves, let go of any tension, and join the tournament in good spirits. We noted that simply competing against top-tier international cyclists was an enormous accomplishment.”


Sabalenka downs former doubles partner to power into Wimbledon quarters

Updated 06 July 2025
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Sabalenka downs former doubles partner to power into Wimbledon quarters

  • Sabalenka has never reached a final at the All England Club
  • Now she is the only one of the top six seeds in the women’s draw still standing

LONDON: World number one Aryna Sabalenka marched into the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Sunday as her former doubles partner Elize Mertens fell short of upsetting the US Open champion.
Sabalenka has never reached a final at the All England Club but is the player to beat as the only one of the top six seeds in the women’s draw still standing.
The 27-year-old missed last year’s Wimbledon due to injury and was banned in 2022 as part of a blanket suspension on Russian and Belarusian athletes due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Sabalenka looks determined to make up for lost time and, just like in her third-round victory over Emma Raducanu, had to overcome a tough test from Mertens to progress 6-4, 7-6 (7/4).
The pair won the 2019 US Open and 2021 Australian Open together as a doubles partnership, but Sabalenka has now won their last 10 meetings against each other in singles.
“It’s tough to play against someone you know quite close, it’s tricky facing her,” said Sabalenka.
“I know how smart she is, I know she is going to fight until the very end.
“She really challenged me today and I’m super happy with the win.”
A fast start from Sabalenka saw her stretch out to a 4-1 first set lead, only for Mertens to battle back and level at 4-4.
The three-time Grand Slam winner responded in style, winning eight of the next 11 points, to take the set.
Mertens got the early break in the second, but the world number 23 could not hold on.
Sabalenka broke back to tie up the second set at 3-3 and after six straight holds of serve, the match was decided in a tie-break.
Mertens again had the early advantage, but Sabalenka’s blistering ground strokes forced the Belgian onto the back foot before a volleyed winner sealed victory in just over 90 minutes on court.
Sabalenka faces Germany’s Laura Siegemund in the last eight on Tuesday.
“It’s such a beautiful tournament. I always dreamed of winning it,” she added of potentially claiming a first Wimbledon title.
“I’m just trying to give my best and really hope for the best.”
 


Saudi Pro League takes over financial oversight of clubs in major governance shift

Updated 06 July 2025
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Saudi Pro League takes over financial oversight of clubs in major governance shift

  • The new Financial Oversight Committee, operating under the SPL’s remit, will be tasked with overseeing football-related financial activity across all SPL clubs

RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League announced on Sunday it had officially taken on the responsibility of organizing and monitoring the financial regulations governing its member clubs.

The announcement follows a decision by the Ministry of Sports to transfer oversight duties from the Financial Sustainability Committee to a newly established body under the League.

The new Financial Oversight Committee, operating under the SPL’s remit, will be tasked with overseeing football-related financial activity across all SPL clubs.

The move is designed to enhance financial governance, streamline regulatory processes, and strengthen institutional discipline within the rapidly growing Saudi football sector.

The committee will be composed of representatives from the Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, and the SPL itself, alongside independent members.

Its core responsibilities will include issuing financial competency certificates, monitoring club finances, and ensuring compliance with league-wide financial regulations.

“This is an important step toward unifying oversight, simplifying procedures, and promoting a more professional work environment across clubs,” the League said in a statement.

“The aim is to raise compliance levels and improve the speed and efficiency of financial reviews,” it added.

While the new mandate is limited to football activity within Saudi Pro League clubs, officials said the reform marked a broader commitment to improved governance and financial sustainability across the sport.

The SPL added that it would continue its work on existing oversight functions, such as tracking late payments and ensuring clubs meet their financial obligations, as part of the existing certification process.

The issuance of financial competency certificates will remain a key condition for clubs to operate in compliance with league rules.

In addition, new regulatory standards and planning tools are being gradually introduced.

These are intended to bolster long-term investment in club infrastructure and administration, while also helping clubs avoid financial distress through better fiscal discipline.

The SPL noted that the changes come in response to past financial and administrative challenges faced by several clubs, and reflect a coordinated effort between the League, the sports ministry, and the SAFF to promote sustainable growth.

“This development is part of an integrated approach,” the League said, “aimed at supporting clubs in building strong, stable institutions that match the ambitions of their fans.”


Emotional Norris wins epic rain-hit British Grand Prix

Updated 06 July 2025
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Emotional Norris wins epic rain-hit British Grand Prix

  • Nico Hulkenberg finished a stirring third for Sauber to claim the first podium appearance of his long career after 239 races

SILVERSTONE, UK: An emotional Lando Norris boosted his world title bid in memorable fashion on Sunday when he drove to a commanding rain-splashed victory ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in a chaotic British Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old Briton made the most of series leader Piastri’s mid-race misfortune, when he was given a 10-second penalty for slowing excessively while leading behind the safety car, to finish 6.8112 seconds clear.

It was his first home win, his fourth win of the year and the eighth of his career, lifting him within eight points of the Australian.

“Thank you, McLaren, thanks everyone,” said Norris.

“This is beautiful. Winning at home. This is a dream.”

Nico Hulkenberg finished a stirring third for Sauber to claim the first podium appearance of his long career after 239 races.

“It feels good,” the veteran German said.

“A long time coming! But we had it in us and I had it in me somewhere. It’s pretty surreal. All a bit crazy now.”

Piastri was careful not to express his disappointment at the time penalty verdict.

“I want to congratulate Nico,” he said.

“That’s the best story of the day — but I don’t want to say much else to avoid getting into trouble.”

Norris became the 13th different home winner of the British race.

Lewis Hamilton took fourth for Ferrari ahead of Red Bull’s four-time champion Max Verstappen.

In an epic event run in extreme and changeable weather conditions, Pierre Gasly was sixth for Alpine, ahead of Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, Williams’ Alex Albon, two-time champion Fernando Alonso in the second Aston Martin and Mercedes’ George Russell.

On a cool and wet summer’s day in central England, the race began as the sun slanted through the clouds following torrential rain, Verstappen leading a controlled formation lap behind the safety car.

In F1’s 75th anniversary year, it was the 1,173rd race since the inaugural world championship event at Silverstone on May 13, 1950, and with the field so closely-packed few races had been more keenly anticipated.

Russell and Leclerc gambled on switching to slick tires before the start as Verstappen led the opening lap from his 44th pole ahead of Piastri, Norris and Hamilton.

RB’s’ Liam Lawson went off at Stowe on lap one, triggering a virtual safety car (VSC), and Franco Colapinto retired his Alpine after stalling in the pit-lane.

The race re-started on lap five with Piastri hounding Verstappen before a second VSC intervention when Gabriel Bortoleto abandoned his Sauber. It was stop-go stuff with everyone waiting for more rain.

After chasing him, Piastri passed Verstappen at Stowe on lap eight to lead. Verstappen then ran off at Becketts and Norris passed him before they all pitted as the rain resumed.

Norris suffered a slow stop, giving second, behind Piastri, back to Verstappen, in appalling conditions that prompted another full safety car and wiped out the Australian’s 13-second advantage.

“There’s water in my visor, a huge splash and I can’t see,” reported Leclerc after bouncing across the grass at Becketts.

Hamilton was also blinded by spray, dropping to eighth, as the field cruised through puddles.

Racing resumed on lap 18 amid plumes of spray before a third full safety car was deployed when RB rookie Isack Hadjar crashed into Antonelli’s Mercedes at Copse.

The action re-started on lap 22 with a gripless Verstappen sliding off out of Copse as he spun, after Piastri had braked dramatically in front of him before the safety car peeled in.

After a brief investigation, Piastri was given a 10-second penalty.

By lap 26, and mid-race, Piastri led Norris before the Australian pitted to serve his time penalty, leaving Norris to soak up a memorable win.


Arsenal sign Spain midfielder Zubimendi

Updated 06 July 2025
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Arsenal sign Spain midfielder Zubimendi

  • Euro 2024 winner Martin Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid

LONDON: Arsenal on Sunday announced the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad after they reportedly triggered his £51 million ($70 million) release clause.

Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.

“This is a huge moment in my career,” said the defensive midfielder, who is understood to have put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

“It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realize how big this club and this team are.

“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”

The BBC reported the deal is worth almost £60 million, with Arsenal opting to pay more than the release clause in order to spread the cost of the fee.

Zubimendi, 26, made 236 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad after graduating from the club’s academy and has played 19 times for Spain.

He will reinforce manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options after Thomas Partey’s contract expired and Jorginho left the club.

Zubimendi’s arrival paves the way for Arsenal’s record-signing Declan Rice to play a more attacking midfield role alongside captain Martin Odegaard.

“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arteta.

“He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.”

Zubimendi is Arsenal’s second signing of the summer transfer window after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined from Chelsea as they seek to improve on three consecutive second-placed Premier League finishes.

The Gunners are also expected to complete the signing of midfielder Christian Norgaard from Brentford.

Attention will now turn to the forward line as Arsenal try to see off Liverpool and Manchester City and claim a first league title since 2003/04.

Arteta’s men had to cope without a natural striker for much of last season due to long-term injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres are reportedly the two leading candidates to fill the need for a new number nine.


Heavy rain falls ahead of the British Grand Prix, with Verstappen on pole

Updated 06 July 2025
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Heavy rain falls ahead of the British Grand Prix, with Verstappen on pole

  • If the rain continues, it will mix up teams’ strategies for the race
  • Saturday’s qualifying and all three practice sessions were run in dry conditions

SILVERSTONE, England: Persistent heavy rain fell at Silverstone on Sunday morning ahead of the British Grand Prix as reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen prepared to start on pole position, with title rivals Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris close behind.

If the rain continues, it will mix up teams’ strategies for the race. Saturday’s qualifying and all three practice sessions were run in dry conditions.

Red Bull’s Verstappen had struggled in practice but found extra pace in qualifying to take pole ahead of McLaren’s Piastri and Norris, who both made small but costly mistakes.

It could be a hectic fight for the win with Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari all showing strong pace in qualifying, with the top six cars covered by just 0.229 of a second.

The leading contenders are using contrasting setups which mean different strengths and weaknesses at various points on the track. Verstappen’s car in particular sacrifices grip through the corners for top speed on the straights.

Piastri leads the standings by 15 points from Norris, the winner of last week’s Austrian Grand Prix, with Verstappen a distant third, 61 points off the lead.