The Faun Ardèche Classic witnessed a dramatic finish as three leading riders, following a wrong turn at the final roundabout, veered off course just 350 meters from the finish line. In the confusion, at least two other riders crashed, while Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ) stayed on the correct path and powered his way to victory in Guilherand-Granges. This incident comes just two weeks after a similar mishap in the Volta ao Algarve, where a large group of riders mistakenly took the wrong side of the finishing straight. The Wrong Turn That Changed Everything The race followed a circuit format, meaning riders had already passed the final roundabout twice. However, on the third and decisive lap, the lead motorcycles mistakenly took a right turn, leading Javier Romo (Movistar), Enric Mas (Movistar), and Brandon McNulty (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) to follow suit. By the time they realized the mistake, it was too late. “They turned right at 350 meters to go when we had already crossed the line three times,” said Grégoire. “I think they were a little lacking in lucidity. Fortunately, I was vigilant. I knew it was straight ahead.” Mas, caught in the confusion, admitted: “Honestly, I was at full speed, I followed my teammate Javier [Romo], and the motorcycle was close, so we followed without hesitation. When we turned and I saw the cars, I said to myself, ‘Ah, we made a mistake.’” A Course Familiar to Many This is not the first time top riders have battled for victory on this course. Juan Ayuso, last year’s winner, had finished ahead of Grégoire and Mattias Skjelmose (Lidl-Trek) on the same track. This year, all three were again part of the lead group before the wrong turn shifted the race’s outcome. Race Organizer Addresses the Confusion Race organizer Guillaume Delpech addressed the mishap, acknowledging both organizational and rider errors. “We passed here three times during this race. The first two times, the riders also went straight at the roundabout. There was no doubt that things could go wrong here, but perhaps because of the intensity and effort, they no longer had a clear picture of the course,” Delpech explained. When asked whether race organizers had made a mistake, he responded: “Maybe, but the riders also made a mistake. For someone like Enric Mas, it was his first participation here, but the course has been the same every year. And we are also going to use the same finish during the European Cycling Championships in October. We are not going to change that.” Looking Ahead: The 2025 European Cycling Championships The 2025 European Cycling Championships, scheduled from October 1-5, will take place in the Drôme-Ardèche region, using the same finishing circuit as the Faun Ardèche Classic. With this high-profile error fresh in mind, it remains to be seen whether riders and organizers will take extra precautions to prevent a repeat of this dramatic finish.
Summer McIntosh Eyes Coaching Change in Pursuit of Olympic Gold
Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh is making a major change in her career as she sets her sights on the 2028 Olympics. The 18-year-old from Toronto has announced that this will be her final season training at the Sarasota Sharks under coach Brent Arckey, the mentor who helped her achieve incredible success at the Paris Olympics. McIntosh is now considering legendary coach Bob Bowman, best known for training Michael Phelps to an unprecedented 23 Olympic gold medals. As she continues to grow in her career, she believes Bowman’s expertise in handling multi-event swimmers could be the key to unlocking her full potential. A New Chapter for McIntosh In an exclusive interview with CBC Sports, McIntosh reflected on her time in Sarasota, expressing deep gratitude for everything she has achieved under Arckey’s guidance. “Just to reflect on the past almost three years I’ve been in Sarasota, I’ve grown so much as a person and a swimmer. Coach Brent really pushed me to be the best swimmer I could be. I will forever cherish my years here. It’s been a great run.” Despite the upcoming transition, McIntosh will continue training with Arckey as she prepares for the World Championships in Singapore this July. Arckey is expected to remain part of the Canadian coaching team during the event. Bob Bowman: The Next Step? Bowman, who recently became the head coach at the University of Texas, has built one of the world’s top training programs, coaching elite swimmers such as Leon Marchand, Regan Smith, and Simone Manuel. Given his vast experience, McIntosh sees him as the ideal coach to guide her through a demanding multi-event Olympic program. “Bob coaching the greatest of all time—Michael Phelps—being able to do all those events is definitely an attraction. As I move forward in my career, I still want to continue to develop other events.” McIntosh is set to visit the University of Texas in March to explore her options, though she has made it clear that she is not interested in competing in the NCAA. Instead, she is looking for a professional training group that offers more flexibility and individual focus. “The NCAA is a great option, but for me personally, I think a pro team makes more sense because it has a lot more flexibility and it’s a lot more individual.” Support from Coach Arckey While the decision to move on is bittersweet, Coach Arckey fully supports McIntosh’s transition. He acknowledges that Bowman and the University of Texas offer an exceptional training environment, making it the ideal next step in her journey. “If you can find me a better place, then I’m all ears. It’s a great opportunity. I’ve been supportive of this the entire time. I want to make sure she’s going somewhere where she’s going to get better and spread her wings.” Arckey also expressed pride in McIntosh’s accomplishments under his coaching. Since joining the Sarasota Sharks, she has set world records, won multiple world championship titles, and became the first Canadian to win three gold medals in a single Olympics. In 2024, she was named Canada’s Athlete of the Year and World Aquatics’ Female Swimmer of the Year. “Since the moment I stepped on deck just as a visitor, I knew coach Brent believed in me. When I first moved here, I never thought I’d be leaving with all the medals and the records and all the stuff that we’ve accomplished.” What’s Next for McIntosh? With her sights set on five gold medals at the 2028 Olympics, Summer McIntosh is making a bold move in her career. As she weighs her options and prepares for the World Championships, all eyes will be on where she ultimately chooses to train. One thing is certain—McIntosh is just getting started, and the world of swimming should brace for even more record-breaking performances from this young Canadian superstar.
Bhubaneswar Kalinga Stadium Swimming Centre Coaches Face Serious Allegations
The Kalinga Stadium Swimming Centre in Bhubaneswar has come under scrutiny after students accused coaches of physical assault, misconduct, and neglect. Following these allegations, the Odisha government has ordered an inquiry and suspended head coach Sandeep Sejwal. Students Speak Out Against Abuse The issue surfaced when several young swimmers at the training center shared their experiences with OTV, revealing disturbing incidents of mistreatment. According to the students, coaches allegedly used abusive language, issued threats, and physically assaulted them without any valid reason. One student stated, “If someone performed exceptionally well, they would be separated from the group and later physically thrashed by the coaches. They used extremely foul language and tortured us mentally and physically.” Another student alleged that well-performing swimmers were deliberately forced to sit out of training sessions. Coaches would then allegedly threaten them and withhold proper guidance and support. Neglect and Harassment at the Sports Hostel Students residing at the sports hostel have also raised concerns about neglect. They claim that the coaches ignored their training needs, making it difficult for them to maintain a proper regime. Some students reported being physically hit and mistreated without any justification. Faced with continuous harassment, the students took the matter to the hostel authorities by writing a formal complaint letter. This action eventually led to the state government’s intervention and the suspension of the head coach. Government Action and Ongoing Investigation After the allegations surfaced, the Odisha government acted swiftly, ordering a detailed inquiry into the matter. The decision to suspend head coach Sandeep Sejwal is seen as a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of the young athletes. The investigation aims to uncover the extent of the misconduct and hold those responsible accountable. Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken if the allegations are proven true. Final Thoughts The revelations from Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium Swimming Centre have raised serious concerns about the treatment of young athletes in sports institutions. This case highlights the importance of a safe and supportive training environment for aspiring sportspeople. With the government stepping in, students and parents hope for justice and a much-needed reform in coaching ethics and conduct.
3 Simple Yoga Poses for a Healthier Mind and Body
Malaika Arora is known for her dedication to fitness, and yoga is a major part of her routine. She often shares inspiring workout videos, motivating her followers to adopt a mindful and healthy lifestyle. Recently, she demonstrated three simple yoga poses that anyone can practice at home. These asanas don’t require much effort but offer incredible health benefits. 1. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana) The Tree Pose is excellent for improving balance, stability, and focus. It strengthens the legs and core while enhancing flexibility in the hips and groin. Holding this pose also encourages proper spinal alignment, helping with posture. The grounding nature of the Tree Pose has a calming effect on the mind, making it great for reducing stress and anxiety. How to Do It: • Stand straight and shift your weight onto one leg. • Place the sole of your other foot on your inner thigh or calf (avoid the knee). • Join your palms in a prayer position at your chest or raise them above your head. • Hold for a few breaths, then switch sides. 2. Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana) The Warrior Pose is a powerful stance that builds strength in the legs, arms, and core. It improves stamina, opens the chest, and boosts confidence and energy. This pose also helps release tension from the upper body, promoting a sense of relaxation while enhancing endurance. How to Do It: • Start in a standing position and step one foot back. • Bend your front knee at a 90-degree angle, keeping your back leg straight. • Raise your arms overhead or extend them out to the sides. • Hold the pose, keeping your gaze forward, then switch sides. 3. Lotus Pose (Padmasana) Padmasana, or the Lotus Pose, is commonly used for meditation. It enhances flexibility in the hips, knees, and ankles while promoting good posture. Sitting in this position helps improve blood circulation in the lower body and calms the mind, making it ideal for deep breathing and relaxation. How to Do It: • Sit on the floor with your legs extended. • Bend one knee and place your foot on the opposite thigh. • Repeat with the other leg, crossing both legs over each other. • Keep your spine straight, rest your hands on your knees, and focus on deep breathing. Final Thoughts These three yoga poses—Tree Pose, Warrior Pose, and Padmasana—are simple yet highly effective for improving strength, flexibility, and mental well-being. Practicing them regularly can enhance your balance, posture, and relaxation. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in yoga, incorporating these poses into your routine can make a big difference in your overall health.
Why Women Should Lift Weights: A Gamechanger for Health
Weightlifting has long been misunderstood when it comes to women’s fitness. For years, women were discouraged from lifting weights due to traditional beliefs, but experts now recognize its transformative benefits. Dr. Yokesh Arul, MD in medicine, highlights that strength training is not just safe for women—it’s essential for their long-term health. When Should Women Start Lifting Weights? Dr. Arul’s advice is simple: start now. The earlier women begin weightlifting, the better their health outcomes will be. Strength training isn’t just about building muscle; it plays a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases and improving overall well-being. Benefits of Weightlifting for Women 1. Stronger Bones and Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis One of the most significant benefits of weightlifting is its impact on bone density. Weightlifting stimulates bone remodeling, which helps strengthen bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. This is particularly important as women are more prone to bone loss with age. 2. Prevention of Chronic Conditions Weightlifting has been linked to a lower risk of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Regular strength training improves insulin sensitivity, promotes cardiovascular health, and helps maintain a healthy metabolism. 3. Better Weight Management and PCOS Prevention Weightlifting helps reduce body fat and maintain a leaner physique. Since obesity is a risk factor for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), strength training can be a powerful tool in managing hormonal balance. Excess fat cells contribute to estrogen imbalance, which affects menstrual health. By staying active and lifting weights, women can reduce these risks. 4. Improved Hormonal Balance Female athletes, runners, and even ballet dancers experience high levels of physical stress, which can lead to amenorrhea (absence of periods). This happens due to elevated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which inhibits the body’s natural hormonal cycles. Weightlifting, when combined with proper nutrition and recovery, can help regulate hormonal balance. Best Time for Women to Lift Weights The best time to lift weights varies from person to person, but here are some general recommendations: • Morning Workouts: Great for consistency and boosting metabolism throughout the day. • Afternoon/Evening Workouts: Strength levels tend to be higher due to increased body temperature and optimized muscle function. Precautions When Lifting Weights During Periods Weightlifting is generally safe during menstruation, but women should listen to their bodies. Here are some precautions to keep in mind: 1. Adjust Intensity: If you feel fatigued or experience cramps, reduce the weight or modify your workout. 2. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can make cramps worse, so drink plenty of water. 3. Focus on Form: Avoid overexertion and prioritize proper technique to prevent injury. Final Thoughts Weightlifting isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s a powerful tool for improving women’s overall health. From stronger bones to hormonal balance, lifting weights can help women lead healthier, more active lives. No matter your age or fitness level, the best time to start is now.