US chief slams IOC over Russia
THE International Olympic Committee’s refusal to ban Russia from the Rio Games has been strongly criticised by United States Anti-Doping Agency chief executive Travis Tygart.
Despite wide calls for Russia to be thrown out of the Games for running a state-directed doping programme, the IOC’s executive board opted against a blanket ban and asked each sport to vet proposed Russian competitors individually.
This is effectively what athletics, the Olympics’ largest sport, has already done, with only one US-based Russian now likely to take part in Rio’s track and field programme.
But Tygart, who led the investigation that ultimately brought down disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong, reckons the IOC should be taking responsibility for ensuring clean sport in Rio, not passing the buck.
Tygart said: “Many, including clean athletes and whistle-blowers, have demonstrated courage and strength in confronting a culture of state-supported doping and corruption within Russia.
“Disappointingly, however, in response to the most important moment for clean athletes and the integrity of the Olympic Games, the IOC has refused to take decisive leadership.
“The decision regarding Russian participation and the confusing mess left in its wake is a significant blow to the rights of clean athletes.”
Michael van Gerwen demolished Phil Taylor last night to claim the 2016 World Matchplay title.
Taylor’s domination of darts a generation ago put him at the peak of the sport but he has truly been supplanted by Van Gerwen, who captured the crown for a second year in a row with his victory. CHRIS FROOME crossed the line arm-in-arm with his Team Sky team-mates as he joined the elite club of three-time Tour de France winners in Paris.
Andre Greipel won the final stage while Froome, already Britain’s only multiple-Tour winner, joined just eight men to have won three or more Tours.
Froome, who had been able to enjoy a glass of champagne and a sip of beer on the 113km stage from Chantilly, met his wife Michelle and baby boy Kellan just after the finish line as the celebrations began.
In his podium speech, Froome paid tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack in Nice on Bastille Day.
“This tour has obviously taken place against the backdrop of terrible events in Nice and we pay our respects to those who lost their lives in this terrible event,” he said. “Of course these kind of events put sport into perspective but they also show why the values of sport are so important.
“We love the Tour de France because it is unpredictable but we love it more for what stays the same – the passion of the fans along the roadside, the beauty of the French countryside and the bonds of friendship created through sport. These things will never change. Vive le Tour et Vive la France.”
The 31-year-old had effectively sealed victory by staying up- right on Saturday’s stage 20 to Morzine ahead of Sunday’s largely processional stage.
With the final general classification retaining the time gaps from Saturday Froome won the Tour by four minutes and five seconds from Frenchman Romain Bardet.
German Greipel pipped the late-charging world champion Peter Sagan to the line in the traditional sprint on the Champs-Elysees after racing clear of Norway’s Alexander Kristoff on the run-in. “I can’t describe it,” said Greipel. “I’ve raced for three weeks for that. The team kept believing in me.”
The 23-year-old Welshman Adam Yates of Orica-BikeExchange took the white jersey as the best young rider in the race – the first Briton to win the category – while Sagan’s teammate Rafal Majka was confirmed king of the mountains. Nairo Quintana was third overall, while Yates was fourth.