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Motor Sports

Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Moto3 continue season with French Grand Prix

written by Hugh

8th October 2020 0 comment

Rugby

Katie Sadleir features on The Game Changers

written by Hugh

This week Katie Sadleir features on The Game Changers, a podcast which showcases the incredible trailblazing women in sport.

Before joining World Rugby in 2016, Katie started her career in the pool, competing in syncronised swimming at the 1984 Olympic Games in LA before going on to win bronze at the CommonWealth Games in 1996. She then went on to become a board member at just 23 and has helped lead the way in transforming performance sport in New Zealand. She now heads women’s rugby at World Rugby.

Throughout her conversation with Sue Anstiss MBE (creator and host of The Game Changers), Katie talks about the challenges and triumphs throughout her career. From gender balance, female coaches, leadership and sport for development through to player welfare, sponsorship and World Cups.

Listen to Katie Sadlier in full: http://podfollow.com/1464596772

The Game Changers is available across all platforms including apple podcasts, Spotify, Google and Stitcher, or listen here https://podfollow.com/1464596772

You can find out more about all the guests at fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers

7th October 2020 0 comment

Tennis

Ball Mishap Fails To Derail Novak Djokovic From Reaching 11th Straight French Open Quarter-Final

written by Hugh

The former champion, who last won the Paris trophy back in 2016, overcame some stiff resistance early on to prevail 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, on the Philippe Chatrier Court. Becoming only the second player in history to reach the last eight of a major for the 47th time after Roger Federer. Djokovic’s latest victory saw him hit 44 winners to 28 unforced errors as he clinched 70% of points behind his first serve. He is yet to drop a set in the tournament.

“It was definitely a closer match that what the score indicates,” Djokovic told Eurosport’s The Cube. “All three sets were kind of even and I managed to break his resistance towards the end of every set.’
“I’m happy with the way I closed out the match but it was a close one. Karen was very solid. Conditions, if you play a bit later in the day with the roof closed, there is no bounce at all.’
“I managed to find a way to win and that’s what matters.” He added.

It was during his latest encounter where Djokovic got flashbacks of his US Open disqualification for hitting a lines judge. Trying to return a monster Khachanov early on he accidentally hit the ball at an official and immediately apologised. Due to it being a pure accident, he received no warning or violation unlike New York.

Full story – courtesy of Adam Addicott https://www.ubitennis.net/2020/10/ball-mishap-fails-to-derail-novak-djokovic-from-reaching-11th-straight-french-open-quarter-final/

6th October 2020 0 comment

TSF News

Life Leisure CEO steps down after 14 years at the helm

written by Hugh

Malcolm McPhail, group CEO of Life Leisure has stepped down from the role after 14 years.

Malcolm leaves following a string of successes at the social enterprise, which runs leisure services across Stockport and Barrow on behalf of the local councils.

As well as winning numerous national and regional accolades, Malcolm was responsible for spearheading the acquisition of Stockport Sports Village and the group’s expansion into Barrow, Cumbria.

Malcolm, who has more than 35 years’ experience in the leisure industry, said: “After 14 successful years, I have taken the decision to leave Life Leisure to pursue new opportunities. This has been one of the hardest decisions in my professional career I’ve had to make, but feel now is the right time for me to take on new ventures and for Life Leisure to flourish with a new leadership team in place.

“I would like to thank all the colleagues I have worked with over the years. I would also like to thank Stockport Council and Barrow Council for our constructive working relationship and their continued support of Life Leisure.

“The last few months have been challenging, but I know that with Life Leisure’s great people and positive attitude, the organisation will continue to thrive and deliver a great result for the communities we serve. I wish Life Leisure all success going forward.”

Malcolm will be succeeded by current Operations Director Michaela Pennington, who has worked at Life Leisure for 13 years.

She said: “I have had the privilege of working with Malcolm for the past 20 years and I am grateful for his knowledge, experience and generous support over this long period. With this new change, I am extremely proud and excited to take the baton from him.”

Life Leisure, which was forced to close its doors for five months as result of the pandemic, has now begun phased re-openings of its centres with new safety measures.

Michaela, who has worked in the leisure industry for 22 years, added: “This is the start of our new journey. A journey that begins in the middle of a global pandemic, which has posed significant challenges to the leisure sector and society as a whole, but one we’ll overcome with our usual grit, determination and innovation.

“I am so grateful to all of our staff for their professionalism and support during this period. By working together, we have successfully and safely re-opened most of our sites and our members have returned. I have an unquestionable belief that Life Leisure will come out of this stronger.”

She added: “We provide vital services for the health and wellbeing of the community and we continue to work closely with our customers to maintain high quality leisure services in Stockport and Barrow.”

For more information about Life Leisure, centres and opening times, go to www.lifeleisure.net.

5th October 2020 0 comment

Esports

STALWART ESPORTS ANNOUNCES TEAM FOR FFIC 2020

written by Hugh

Stalwart Esports announces team for FFIC 2020.

Stalwart Esports is all set out to conquer the FreeFire Indian Championship 2020. FFIC 2020 will take place on 18th October with a prize pool of 50 Lakhs INR. With an experienced roster, the team eyes for the Champions Tag.

INDIA: Stalwart Esports today announced its team for the FreeFire Indian Championship 2020. With this addition, Stalwart marks its entry into the FreeFire Esports.

Though Stalwarts is new to FreeFire, the team has got a remarkable experience in it. Some of their latest achievements include,
1. Champions of the recent XTZ FreeFire tourney.
2. Number 2 in the FFIC League stage
3. Secured a direct slot in the FFIC Grand Finals.
“This team has been outstanding.” says Zeyan Shafiq, Founder of Stalwart Esports. “We’ve seen their performance [in the recent tourneys] and [are impressed with] their results. With this addition, we’re looking forward to dominate the FreeFire Esports and clutch the championship.”

The team has got many skilful talents and among them, STE-MRJay and STE-Indro stand tall. We could expect to see some spellbinding manoeuvres from them.

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” says Dhwanil Patel, COO of Stalwart Esports. “The level of coordination these guys show is tremendous and I’m sure they’ll put up an exciting fight.”

Also, Stalwart has found its Lady fortune for its roster through Shomita “STE-Hayleyy” Chakraborty. With this, Stalwart sights to promote women empowerment and female participation in Esports. Stalwart’s voice to brace gender equality is loud and we could expect the other teams to follow this path soon.

Full story – https://www.esportspress.co.uk/stalwart-esports-announces-team-for-ffic-2020/

4th October 2020 0 comment

Cycling

GREAT BRITAIN CYCLING TEAM RECEIVES CQC STATUS FOR MEDICAL SERVICES

written by Hugh

British Cycling is pleased to announce the Great Britain Cycling Team has been given Care Quality Commission (CQC) status, officially recognising that the medical services team operates in a regulated environment to provide riders with safe, effective, compassionate and high-quality care.

Receiving CQC status is just one measure the Great Britain Cycling Team has taken to improve the quality of care provided by the medical services team. Other steps include the implementation of new medical record keeping and medicines management policies; introduction of new concussion and cardiac screening protocols; introduction of a new mental health and well-being strategy, and initiation of projects to educate staff and riders on the basic principles of maintaining good health and wellbeing.

Doctor Nigel Jones, Head of Medical Services for the Great Britain Cycling Team, explained: “Gaining CQC status was a recommendation from the independent review of our medical services and I’m pleased that 18 months of hard work and commitment by everyone on my team has been rewarded.

“While our day-to-day running of the medical facility was of a very high standard anyway, achieving CQC status means the quality of our processes and policies for the care we provide to our riders has been officially recognized and will continue to be assessed.

“The Great Britain Cycling Team is one of the first professional sport medical facilities to achieve CQC status, and it’s a huge accomplishment to be at the forefront once again when it comes to the welfare of our riders. This step sits alongside a number of other measures we have implemented in the last three years to ensure riders competing for Great Britain get the best possible support.”

Article & Image courtesy of https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/gbcyclingteam/article/20201002-Great-Britain-Cycling-Team-receives-CQC-status-for-medical-services-0

3rd October 2020 0 comment

Athletics

SEVERAL BRITISH ATHLETES SET FOR THE ELITE RACES AT THE LONDON MARATHON

written by Hugh

Several British athletes will compete in the elite races at the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday 4 October.

The elite women’s race kicks off proceedings at 7:15am live on BBC Two, before the elite men’s race at 10:15 and the elite wheelchair races at 13:12.

World Athletics announced in July that is was lifting its suspension of the Olympic qualifying system for the marathon, so the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon will be an opportunity for any athletes competing to attain the standard (2:11.30 – men / 2:29.30 – women) but competing in it is not a pre-requisite for selection to the British team for the Olympics. There will be no pre-selection following the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon and selection will take place following a trial (to be confirmed) in 2021.

In the elite women’s race, Steph Twell gained a standard last year following her 2:26.40 personal best in Frankfurt. Following a spell on training in St Moritz, the Aldershot, Farnham & District athlete will hit the streets of London with confidence as she moved to sixth on the UK all-time list after her PB last year.

Other British athletes to keep an eye on – who don’t currently hold an Olympic qualifying standard – include Lily Partridge (Birchfield), Tracy Barlow (Tom Craggs; Thames Valley) and Tish Jones (Belgrave).

In the elite men’s race, Jonny Mellor (Steve Vernon; Liverpool Harriers) leads the British challenge following his significant PB of 2:10.03 set in Seville in February.

Chris Thompson (Alan Storey; AFD) and Josh Griffiths (Swansea) are among a large portion of British men within the field, while Ben Connor (Derby) and Ross Millington (Vernon; Stockport) will make their debuts over the 26.2-mile distance.

In the elite men’s wheelchair race, eight-time champion David Weir (Jenny Archer; Weir Archer Academy) will be among the favourites for title number nine. Paralympic Marcel Hug (SUI) will also be a favourite for the title, while JohnBoy Smith (Christine Parsloe), Simon Lawson (Ian Thompson; Carlisle Tri) and Callum Hall (Leeds) are others to keep an eye on from a British point of view.

Shelly Woods (Peter Wyman; Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde) is the only British representative in the elite women’s wheelchair race. The two-time champion will compete in her first London Marathon since 2014.

More information can be found here: https://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/index.html

All races at the Virgin Money London Marathon will be on BBC One and Two on Sunday 4 October 2020.

2nd October 2020 0 comment

Athletics

UK ATHLETICS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH ‘NOIR VOICES’ SERIES

written by Hugh

UK Athletics are supporting Black History Month which celebrates the achievements and contributions of black people around the world while educating all on black history.

Following on from the ‘Let’s talk about Race’ discussions, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team at UK Athletics wanted to continue to educate our colleagues and the Athletics family on black culture during Black History Month through a series of activities throughout the month of October.

UK Athletics will be celebrating Black History Month 2020 by delivering a series of virtual ‘Noir Voices sessions for our athletics family; athletes, coaches, officials, fans, volunteers and athletics workforce.

9 October 2020, 1.30pm – ‘Noir Voices – Born Ready’

Olympic bronze medallist Anyika Onuora will be in conversation with Sabrina Pace Humphreys, founder of Black Trail Runners about her experiences as a black female in ultra-distance running.

13 October, 6pm – ‘Noir Voices – Leading from the Front’

Tunji Akintokun has worked in global technology and professional services organisation for over 30 years and is currently a Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). He is a Board member of England Athletics and father of a promising young sprinter, Niah Akintokun.

22 October 2020, 6pm – ‘Noir Voices – On the field of play’

Join us to hear the journey of Zainab Alema, a nurse by profession with a passion for rugby who is happens to be black and Muslim. The founder of Studs in the Mud shares her story.

To register, please email EqualityDiversityInc@uka.org.uk with the subject ‘Noir Voices’ and the title. Once your booking has been confirmed further information will be sent to you.

Donna Fraser, the Equality, Diversity and Engagement Lead at UK Athletics said:

“Covid 19 has presented some challenges to all of us, but one positive thing is that we have been able to connect and engage with more people online and because of this, Black History Month at UKA is the busiest programme we have ever delivered. The ‘Noir Voices’ series is a new feature for the ED&I programme, offering enlightening and educational topics for the wider athletics family to join in the conversation.”

Lorna Dwyer, an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advocate at UK Athletics, added:

“Black History Month provides a moment of reflection for people as well as a reminder to educate. This year the ED&I advocates will be delivering a number ‘Noir Voices’ of session online due to Covid 19. We want to acknowledge and thank all the Noir Voice guest speakers who have come forward to engage with the wider athletic family.”

1st October 2020 0 comment

Golf

Cameron crowns memorable month with Northern Open triumph

written by Hugh

Ross Cameron completed an unforgettable September by following up his victory in the Scottish PGA Championship at the start of the month by winning the Northern Open at its end.

In doing so the 41-year-old PGA Professional from Peterhead topped the Tartan Tour Order of Merit for the first time, resolved a career conundrum and teed up a lifetime ambition.

His triumph in the Loch Lomond Whiskies Scottish PGA Championship at Deer Park Golf and Country Club earned him an invitation to play in the European Tour’s Scottish Championship at Fairmont St Andrews in October. And therein lay the problem.

“The Scottish Championship coincided with final qualifying for next year’s PGA EuroPro Tour,” explained Cameron, who represents Saltire Energy.

“I needed to play in that to earn my place on EuroPro for next year. But it’s always been my dream to play in the Scottish Championship, so I was torn between the two.

“The only way I could earn exemption from qualifying for the PGA EuroPro Tour was by winning the Tartan Tour Order of Merit, which I’ve done. I’m chuffed to bits.”

Cameron had had to combat wet and windy conditions in winning the Loch Lomond Whiskies Scottish PGA Championship but Mother Nature did him a huge favour in overcoming the 90-strong field at Spey Valley Championship, Aviemore.

Torrential rain washed out the second of the two scheduled rounds and Cameron was declared the winner by virtue of leading the tournament after the first.

Having posted a five-under-par score of 67, Cameron was a shot clear of a quartet sharing second place: Gavin Hay, Scott Henderson plus the amateur pair, David Rudd and Calum Scott.

The round featured an eagle, at the par-five fifth and six birdies and Cameron was so pleased with his form he had no cause to perform a rain dance in the hope the tournament would be abandoned.

“The weather obviously worked in my favour,” added Cameron, who earned £2,560 from his victory at Spey Valley to take his Tartan Tour earnings for the season past £7,000.

“But I was looking forward to playing and would have preferred to. I was hitting the ball nicely and my putting was good. I was also mentally strong – winning the Scottish PGA Championship has given me a lot of confidence.”

Cameron will be hoping to take that confidence and rich vein of form into the Scottish Championship.

Firstly, though, he will attempt to make it a Scottish hat-trick in winning next week’s PGA Professional Championship at Trentham Golf Club in Staffordshire, England.

Compatriots Paul O’Hara was victorious at Luttrellstown Castle, Ireland, in 2018, and the defending champion Alastair Forsyth was the runaway winner at Hunstanton, England.

By way of a possible good omen for Scots, Heather MacRae won the WPGA Championship at Trentham last year.

It’s an unknown venue for Cameron who added: “I never played it before but I’ll have a word with Heather to try and get a few tips.”

Full scores are accessible here

30th September 2020 0 comment

Motor Sports

Second place for Lowes after brilliant Barcelona battle

written by Hugh

**DNF**

It was a dramatic start to the day for Augusto, who had to dismount his bike in warm-up due to a technical problem with the sealing of his fuel system. Thanks to the hard work of his Team Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS mechanics, he started the race with a perfect machine.

The recently turned 23-year old enjoyed a great start to the race and gained three places on lap one. By lap 15 he had made real progress and was sitting in sixth while having a good fight with Enea Bastianini.

Engaged in a four-rider fight for fourth place, Augusto’s race came to an unfortunate end on the penultimate lap when he lost the front of his machine at turn seven.

The fall sees Fernández drop to 16th in the World Championship with 36 points, the same number as Fabio Di Giannantonio in 15th.

**“We were fighting for the top five so this a good step”**

“It’s a shame to finish the race like this. I enjoyed this race a lot. I did a good start from twelfth. I didn’t feel good in the first laps but I found my pace and was recovering positions, riding fast and with a good pace. I was faster than what I was expecting. At the end of the race I was a bit on the limit. I wanted to win the fight with Bastianini and we were catching Roberts in fifth. I felt stronger than them and I wanted to beat them. I pushed a bit hard in the braking zone at turn seven and just closed the front. It was a tricky Sunday for us with the fire on the bike in warm up and then a crash in the race. Overall, I think I did my best, I gave my 100 percent. We were fighting for the top five so this a good step. Good times will arrive, I’m sure of it. We just need to keep pushing.”

**2nd , +0.981 s.**

Despite losing four positions on the first lap, the Briton soon found his rhythm. He posted the fastest lap of the race – a 1:43.544 – on the eighth circulation as he closed in on the leading trio of Luca Marini, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Jorge Navarro.

The 30-year old shrugged off a mistake on lap seven when overtaking Di Giannantonio to then hunt down the leader Marini, 1.2s ahead. He then passed the Italian with a brilliant move at turn one on lap 16 to lead the race.

A first Moto2 victory in four years was within sight but Marini retook the lead just two laps from the checkered flag. Lowes tried to respond on the penultimate lap bit a mistake at turn seven consigned him to second.

Still, this fantastic second place was Lowes’ first back-to-back podium appearance since May, 2016. He remains in fourth place in the World Championship with 103 points to his name, 47 behind Marini in first and just 11 back of Marco Bezzecchi in third.
**“I’m happy to have my second podium in a row”**

“Nearly! I nearly had the win! To lead the race with two laps to go and finish second, you have a bit of a sour taste. Honestly when I got to the front I tried hard and put my pace. I was really happy with my own pace but Luca stayed with me. Then in the last two laps I made a small mistake and lost the victory. I’m happy to have my second podium in a row. It’s my first time on the podium in Catalunya. It’s a really important time of the year. The races come really fast, really close together. We’re in a good direction and have some good momentum. The team have done a fantastic job. Every weekend I say it, but it’s true. The bike is always there, improving every weekend and giving me confidence. Thank you to them and I look forward to the next race!”

**Joan Olivé**
Team manager

“The victory will arrive soon”

“We are very happy with Sam’s podium. Once again, he has shown he is really strong this year. Also, it’s so important to consistently be on top each weekend. The victory will arrive soon as well. With Augusto, unfortunately this crash with two laps to go meant he couldn’t take any points. But on the other hand, he was posting very good lap times and fighting for the top positions as well. He made a step forward and we are sure that in Le Mans all of his hard work will pay off.”

“The victory will arrive soon”

“We are very happy with Sam’s podium. Once again, he has shown he is really strong this year. Also, it’s so important to consistently be on top each weekend. The victory will arrive soon as well. With Augusto, unfortunately this crash with two laps to go meant he couldn’t take any points. But on the other hand, he was posting very good lap times and fighting for the top positions as well. He made a step forward and we are sure that in Le Mans all of his hard work will pay off.”

Contact:
**Berta Brau**
Press Officer & Media Manager
+34 679 531 502
media@marc-vds.com

More info at:
www.marcvds.com

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29th September 2020 0 comment

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