The Press Junction.
The Press Junction.
03 August 2026
No one knows what to make of the late-night doping tests on Pogačar and Vingegaard

No one knows what to make of the late-night doping tests on Pogačar and Vingegaard

Uncertainty reigns regarding the nighttime doping tests on Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, after the International Testing Agency (ITA) had the top cyclists taken from their beds in the middle of the night—reportedly with the authorization of a French judge. A French prosecutor confirmed on Monday that a judge had approved a request from the ITA, an exceptional step that, according to the law, is only permitted in cases of “serious and consistent suspicions” and when there is a risk of evidence being lost.

Erdogan fires governor for wearing tight cycling shorts

Erdogan fires governor for wearing tight cycling shorts

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has fired the governor of Ardahan Province, Mehmet Fatih Çiçekli, following controversy over his cycling outfit. The governor came under scrutiny after photos surfaced showing him cycling in tight leggings and athletic wear.The incident has sparked fierce criticism in Turkey.

Two Germans die in the Austrian alps after severe falls

Two Germans die in the Austrian alps after severe falls

A dark day for the German mountaineering community.

€100,000 price tag makes post-Tour criterium organizers hesitate about Tadej Pogačar

€100,000 price tag makes post-Tour criterium organizers hesitate about Tadej Pogačar

Tadej Pogačar does not fit within the budget of the post-Tour criterium in Aalst. Organizer Renno Roelandt says that the requested appearance fee of 100,000 euros is too great a financial risk for a free criterium. According to Het Nieuwsblad, it appears he will not be competing in the Netherlands after the Tour de France for the same reason.

Overwhelming support for Infantino’s fourth term

Overwhelming support for Infantino’s fourth term

Gianni Infantino is on track for a fourth term as FIFA president after more than 200 of the 211 soccer associations have formally expressed their support. Only a handful of associations—mainly from Europe, with Germany being the most notable absentee—have not yet confirmed their support.

Tadej Pogačar: Not only the best, but also the richest

Tadej Pogačar: Not only the best, but also the richest

Since his first overall victory in the Tour de France in 2020, Tadej Pogačar has become the best cyclist in the world—and that hasn’t done him any harm.

Argentina’s victory takes on a political tone

Argentina’s victory takes on a political tone

After a dramatic comeback against England, Argentina fought its way to the World Cup final in the U.S. After the final whistle, the victory took on a political tone.

Infantino hints at a World Cup with 64 teams

Infantino hints at a World Cup with 64 teams

FIFA President Gianni Infantino secretly dreams of a World Cup with 64 participating nations in 2030. According to him, the possibility will be explored after the 2026 World Cup, but a decision has not yet been made.

Former Spanish Prime Minister: "A French national team without any French players"

Former Spanish Prime Minister: "A French national team without any French players"

In a column in El Debate, a Spanish online newspaper, Mariano Rajoy, the former Prime Minister of Spain, made a remarkable statement about the upcoming match between Spain and France: Spain will face a French national team “without any French players.”

Russian athletes welcome back to the Olympics

Russian athletes welcome back to the Olympics

On Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee temporarily lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. This paves the way for Russian athletes to once again participate as full members in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and in future editions. The decision is controversial, especially as Russia continues its war in Ukraine, but it does mark a clear change of course for the IOC.