LE TOUR SAYS GUTEN TAG TO DUSSELDORF

Team Sky’s Chris Froome the pre-race favourite as Germany prepares to host ‘Grand Depart’ for first time in 30 years.

Scotland’s final preparations for the women’s European Junior Championships II did not go according to plan when the youngsters went down 5-1 to England in the first of three Test matches at Lillieshall.

Although the Scots competed with the home side in many departments, Neil Menzies’ under-21s were hit by some lethal finishing by a side in the top flight of European competition.

England put their visitors under intense pressure in the first quarter and took advantage of some loose Scottish defending to go two up. Scotland recovered their composure in the second quarter and pulled a goal back through Emily Dark. The balance of play was more even in the second half but England took their chances to add three more to their tally.

Scotland’s men are also in build-up action this weekend, taking on Ireland in two matches in Belfast.