Sport in brief

CYCLING: Tour de France will finish in Nice rather than Paris in the summer of 2024.

The famous race will finish at the other end of the country from Paris for the first time in its history on July 21 as the capital builds up to hosting the Olympics a few days later.

The last stage will also be an individual time trial rather than the usual ceremonial outing for the leaders, meaning the race could be decided at the death.

It is the first time Le Tour has concluded with a time trial since 1989. Nice has featured prominently before, hosting the start of the event in 1981 and 2020, while it is the finishing point for the prestigious Paris-nice race held annually.

HOCKEY:

Experienced Scotland duo Fiona Burnet and Jen Eadie are set for Great Britain debuts as the FIH Pro League season begins in Argentina.

Both have won close to 80 caps for their country and have been called into David Ralph’s squad for matches against the hosts and the Netherlands, the top two sides in the world, later this month.

MOTORSPORT:

Mclaren have announced Alex Palou as a reserve driver for next season.

The 25-year-old Spaniard will act as back-up to Lando Norris, and his new rookie team-mate Oscar Piastri, at Formula One races that do not clash with his Indycar schedule.

Palou took part in practice for Mclaren at the United States Grand Prix in October, and won the 2021 Indycar title.

Meawhile British driver Jamie Chadwick will compete in the United States next year after signing a contract with Andretti Autosport.

The 24-year-old has been the dominant force of the all-female W Series, winning the championship on three occasions.