The Press Junction.
The Press Junction.
18 May 2026
Ever-positive Belgian professional cyclist (19) succumbs to bone cancer

Ever-positive Belgian professional cyclist (19) succumbs to bone cancer

Belgian Jilke Michielsen was well on her way to making it to the absolute top in women's cycling. After all, she collected Belgian titles in road, track and time trial. Until the harsh diagnosis of bone cancer shattered her sporting dreams at the age of just 16. But the nasty disease did not dampen the Fleming's resilience and positivity. Jilke passed away from the lingering illness last week at the age of 19, but her impact lives on forever in the memories of the many people she managed to touch with her courageous fight.

Olympic Games in the Netherlands: dream becomes increasingly realistic

Olympic Games in the Netherlands: dream becomes increasingly realistic

There is a growing likelihood that 102 years after the Amsterdam Summer Olympics, Olympic games will once again take place on Dutch soil.

But why are Vingegaard and other cyclists wearing red nail varnish at the Giro 2026?

But why are Vingegaard and other cyclists wearing red nail varnish at the Giro 2026?

The Giro d'Italia 2026 opened with an image that goes beyond sport: the Visma | Lease a Bike team decided to race with red varnish on their nails, turning an aesthetic detail into a strong and explicit social message.

Two wingsuiters collide and crash over Austria

Two wingsuiters collide and crash over Austria

Two women with wingsuits were seriously injured in an accident in Vorarlberg, Austria, on Saturday afternoon after colliding in mid-air.

Sir Alex Ferguson (84) unwell at Old Trafford and taken to hospital as a precaution

Sir Alex Ferguson (84) unwell at Old Trafford and taken to hospital as a precaution

Legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson became unwell at Old Trafford on Sunday and was taken to hospital by ambulance as a precaution. This happened over an hour before the start of the 35th match day Premier League topper against Liverpool.

Madrid final: Sinner-Zverev set historic record

Madrid final: Sinner-Zverev set historic record

The world number 1 is aiming for a fourth title in 2026 and a fifth consecutive Masters 1000, a record never before achieved in the history of tennis.

A cascade of resignations in Italian soccer

A cascade of resignations in Italian soccer

Italian soccer is turning over a new leaf. Gabriele Gravina has tendered his resignation from the presidency of the Italian FA, closing a cycle that began in 2018 and was marked by mounting pressure, culminating after the latest Italian Nazionale fiasco.

Not an April 1st joke: Remco Evenepoel kicks off in Tour of Flanders

Not an April 1st joke: Remco Evenepoel kicks off in Tour of Flanders

Vlaanderens Mooiste will get an added attraction on Sunday: Remco Evenepoel is riding the Tour of Flanders for the first time in his career.

Italy misses third World Cup in a row: whole generation grows up without 'magic nights'

Italy misses third World Cup in a row: whole generation grows up without 'magic nights'

There's a very precise moment when you realize it's not just a defeat. That's when silence and bitterness replace anger, as if it has suddenly now become a predictable script. Italy loses to Bosnia following penalty kicks, stays away from the 2026 World Cup, and the feeling is no longer shock, but something else: a recurring nightmare. The third elimination in a row. The third missed opportunity. The third time a World Cup summer isn't for Italy, but for other countries.

Jannik Sinner makes history: triumph in Miami and completes Sunshine Double (without losing a single set)

Jannik Sinner makes history: triumph in Miami and completes Sunshine Double (without losing a single set)

Despite the rain and the pressure, Jannik Sinner transformed the Miami final into a true manifesto of control and precision.