Subdued Leeds yet to 'buzz' about hosting opening stage

Leeds was resisting Tour de France fever on Wednesday, just three days before the 'Grand Depart' in the city on Saturday.

Contador ready to take on Froome

If last year's Tour de France often resembled a triumphant Chris Froome march to Paris, the road to the Champs Elysees may be more unpredictable this time; especially with Alberto Contador likely to be back in the hunt.

Riders to watch

Chris Froom (Britain, Team Sky, age 29) - also known as Froomey

Wild things ready to start moving the furniture

A new wave of young stars poised to sweep over the dominant 'Big Four'

FIFA asks magazine for proof of match-fixing

FIFA expressed "substantial doubts" on Wednesday about a German magazine's claims that a World Cup game could have been fixed and asked the publication to provide evidence to back up its report that a renowned match-fixer accurately predicted details of the match hours before it kicked off.

Keeper Howard: the new Captain America

Americans are embracing their newest superhero: Team USA goalkeeper Tim Howard, whose pluck and one-man defiance in an excruciating World Cup loss electrified his home nation.

Federer merely an obstacle for Raonic

Milos Raonic will not be overawed by seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer when the men take to Centre Court for Friday's semifinal, the eighth seed said after seeing off Australian teenager Nick Kyrgios.

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Disbelieving mom fires up angry Kyrgios

When Norlaila Kyrgios checks her mobile phone for messages on Wednesday morning in Canberra there will be a "smiley-face text" waiting for her.

Klinsmann stays upbeat about future

Beaten but unbowed, the United States exited the World Cup after losing to Belgium on Tuesday, its disappointment to be going home offset by optimism for the future.

Cup whets appetites, breaks hearts

Belgium broke US hearts with two extra-time goals in a 2-1 World Cup win on Tuesday, but the Americans depart soccer's global showcase having garnered a raft of new fans back home.

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