Spanish veteran Garcia wins stage 2 of women's Tour de France
The 41-year-old Garcia, of the Liv-AlUla-Jayco team, attacked with 10km to go and it paid off as she crossed the line three seconds ahead of the chasing peloton.
Garcia is the oldest rider in the Tour peloton and her victory beat the former age record for a stage winner set by Annemiek Van Vleuten (39 years 9 months 23 days) in 2022.
"I've been racing for a long time and I hadn't been having my best year, but this win really gives me a massive boost of energy," said Garcia.
"I really didn't believe I was going to win at the end. I've tried many times like that and it never worked out, so I just couldn't believe it until I was five metres from the line and I turned around and saw they wouldn't catch me.
"It was only then that I knew I'd really done it. It's been a long, long time since I had any feeling this good in my career."
Le Court took over atop the overall standings from Marianne Vos, who won Saturday's opening stage.
The duo are tied with the exact same time at the top of the general classifications, with the Mauritian earning the yellow jersey courtesy of her combined stage finish placings over the first two days of racing.
"My team said we can take yellow today, but I could not believe it, to be honest I think I'm still a bit shocked," said Le Court.
"The ultimate goal of the team is to fight for GC towards the end of the Tour for the overall, but our goal was also to win a stage.
"I've come close twice, but now that I have the yellow jersey on my shoulders, it's already a massive achievement for the team and for myself."
Dutch sprinter Charlotte Kool, who won the opening two stages of last year's Tour, was a late withdrawal from the peloton, which now counts 152 riders.
The Picnic-PostNL rider, who finished 7:40 off Vos' pace on Saturday, fell in competition last week and after consulting her team's medical staff opted to withdraw.
Kool's withdrawal was the second of the Tour following that of Swiss rider Marlen Reusser (Movistar), who had been expected to push for the podium but who was sick.
Monday's third stage is a flat 163.5km ride from La Gacilly to Angers.
The women's Tour features nine stages, culminating in a mountain ascent for a summit finish in the ski resort of Chatel on August 3.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
14 hours ago
- The South African
Gayton McKenzie says LIV Golf South Africa early bird tickets selling FAST
LIV Golf over the weekend confirmed that Steyn City in Johannesburg will host the first-ever LIV Golf South Africa event from 20-22 March 2026. A multi-year commitment, the announcement represents a landmark moment for the league as it expands to the African continent for the first time, extending LIV Golf competition to five continents across the globe. Early bird tickets for LIV Golf South Africa are now available for purchase HERE, including a select number of Club 54 Hospitality Tickets and three-day Ground Passes to enjoy a festival of world-class golf, live music, and family-friendly experiences. A three-day early bird Ground Pass will cost you R2 193.17 down from R2 436.86, while Club 54 Hospitality Tickets will set you back R50 443.20. Free admission for children 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has announced that tickets are selling fast. So fast in fact that over 10 200 were snapped up in the first 24 hours. The tournament will spotlight Stinger GC, the league's all-South African team, captained by 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and featuring fellow countrymen Dean Burmester, Branden Grace, and 2011 Masters champion, Charl Schwartzel. The team is expected to enjoy strong home support in March, as they compete for both individual and team titles in a field of 54 of the world's best players across three days in front of passionate local fans. In addition to home team Stinger GC, they'll be joined by a host of international stars including current 2025 season points leader Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC), Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), Phil Mickelson (HyFlyers GC), Jon Rahm (Legion XIII), Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC), Cameron Smith (Ripper GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC), and many more. The LIV Golf field is comprised of 18 major champions with a combined 28 major championships, bringing many of the sport's biggest stars to South Africa. The Club at Steyn City, located just north of Johannesburg, is known globally for its prestigious championship golf course designed by Nicklaus Design. With sweeping fairways, dramatic scenery, and a legacy of hosting professional tournaments, the course will provide the perfect setting for LIV Golf's debut in Africa and an exciting venue for broadcasters to showcase around the world. Post-play concerts and engaging fan experiences have become hallmark features of LIV Golf events, creating a unique festival atmosphere at every international stop. South Africa will be no exception, with marquee music entertainment to be announced in the event leadup. 'Bringing LIV Golf to South Africa is another significant moment in our journey,' said Ross Hallett, LIV Golf Executive Vice President, Head of Events. 'The country has a proud sporting heritage with passionate fans and world-class talent, and Steyn City will be an incredible host venue to celebrate this next chapter. We currently have events in Asia, Europe, Australasia, North America and today we add Africa, marking another exciting opportunity to showcase LIV Golf to a new audience and market. 'Our league is committed to driving the sport forward through competition, an innovative format, new investment opportunities, and collaborative partnerships that support progress throughout the communities we serve. We are incredibly grateful to have the support of the South African government and especially the Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. Together, I know we will deliver a truly unforgettable experience to fans in Johannesburg, drive economic impact and tourism in the region, and showcase all that South Africa has to offer.' 'It's always special to compete at home, and I'm incredibly proud to bring LIV Golf to South Africa for the first time,' said Oosthuizen, captain of Stinger GC. 'For Branden, Charl, Dean and I to play in front of our fans, friends, and families will be an unforgettable experience. 'South African sports fans love their golf, and I am sure they will turn out in large numbers to support Stinger GC. South Africa has given so much to us, and now we get to give something back.' 'We are enormously proud to showcase Johannesburg and South Africa on the global stage, with our world-class lifestyle estate and golf course as shining examples of local excellence,' said Steven Louw, CEO of Steyn City Properties. 'We look forward to partnering with LIV Golf, Gauteng government and other stakeholders to share our country's exceptional golfing experience with the world, and to play a role in advancing the sport we are so passionate about.' 'This is a special moment to announce that the world's most dynamic and innovative new golfing format will make its historic debut in South Africa,' said Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. 'This will be a proud moment for our nation, showcasing our vibrant sports culture and world-class hospitality to a global audience. 'The all-South African Stinger GC team is also testament to our country's rich golfing heritage, and we need to get behind our boys as a country when they are here, so that they can win their nation's inaugural tournament. 'Visitors will truly feel that they are in Africa, with access to a Big 5 reserve with lions and elephants – Dinokeng – less than an hour's drive from Steyn City. No LIV event will be anything like this one and we are confident that the world's golf lovers will make travelling to ours, the world's most beautiful country, a must-do trip on their calendar. 'LIV will also help to popularise golf in South Africa, and I also look forward to using the big concerts each day as a platform to show off our amazing home-grown, internationally competitive entertainment. We take our hats off to LIV as an organisation for heeding the call to include Africa on their calendar if they wish to call themselves a truly global brand. This is what we want to see for other sports too, from Formula One to the Summer Olympics. 'We are excited to work with LIV Golf's team to deliver a festival of sport and culture that will inspire fans, boost tourism, and create lasting opportunities for our communities, because LIV has committed to reinvesting into the countries that welcome them.' More details on additional hospitality packages, grounds passes and entertainment for LIV Golf South Africa will be unveiled soon. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
18 hours ago
- The Citizen
Pieter Coetze targets SA team's first medal at World Aquatics Champs
Coetze was third fastest in the penultimate round of the 100m backstroke. Pieter Coetze will compete in the 100m backstroke final in Singapore on Wednesday. Picture: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images Versatile swimmer Pieter Coetze looks set to challenge for South Africa's first medal at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore after qualifying for the 100m backstroke final on Monday. Coetze was third fastest in the semifinals, touching the wall in 52.29 seconds. Only Hubert Kos of Hungary (52.21) and Kliment Kolesnikov of Russia (52.26) went quicker. Medal attempt 'I know what I need to do (in the final), so I'll just go and look at the video and see where I can work on things and come back refreshed tomorrow,' Coetze, the Commonwealth Games champion, said afterwards. The 21-year-old South African, who won gold at the World Student Games in Germany earlier this month in an African record of 51.99, will return to the pool for the 100m backstroke final on Tuesday (1.56pm SA time). After two days of the swimming gala at the global showpiece, Coetze was the only SA swimmer to have progressed beyond the semifinals. Day one On Sunday's opening day of the swimming competition, Rebecca Meder and Erin Gallagher had both made it safely through the heats of their events but did not reach the medal contests. Meder was 10th overall in the women's 200m individual medley semifinals, completing the four-length race in 2:11.05 and missing out on a spot in the final by 0.54. Gallagher ended 13th overall in the women's 100m butterfly semifinals in 57.48.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- TimesLIVE
Predator and puppeteer: Pogacar turns the Tour into his stage
At just 26, Tadej Pogacar has turned the Tour de France into his kingdom, claiming his fourth title on Sunday and cementing a reign that recalls the hunger of Eddy Merckx and the iron grip of Lance Armstrong — yet feels entirely his own. This victory was more than just a triumph — it was a showcase of transformation. Pogacar started the race as a lively, daring rider, delighting fans with audacious attacks and celebrating stage wins with unrestrained exuberance. Yet as the gruelling three-week event wore on, the Slovenian's demeanour shifted. The joy gave way to cold, calculating focus, showcasing his ability to transition from a crowd-pleaser to a commanding leader. Only in the final stage did Pogacar spring back to life in a ride resembling a one-day classic, during which he fought an epic duel with Belgian Wout van Aert. While he did not win, the joy of racing was briefly back as the world champion found a challenge at his measure. 🎙️ The winning speech of a 4 time Tour de France winner! 🤩 🎙️ Le discours d'un quadruple vainqueur du Tour de France ! 🤩 #TDF2025 — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 27, 2025 Through the first two weeks, Pogacar appeared unstoppable, claiming four stage wins, putting the hammer down on the climb to Hautacam and adding a dominant performance in the uphill time trial on Stage 13. That victory stretched his lead over Jonas Vingegaard to more than four minutes, reinforcing his position as the man to beat. His early attacks were bold, his energy seemingly endless. Fans witnessed the Pogacar they adored — smiling at the summit, waving to children on the roadside, and revelling in the pure joy of racing. However, the Alpine stages brought a noticeable change. Pogacar's appetite for stage victories diminished, replaced by a deliberate focus on controlling the race. On the climb to La Plagne, Pogacar allowed Thymen Arensman to claim the stage win, focusing instead on neutralizing Vingegaard's chances of winning the stage. That level of authority brought echoes of Armstrong's dominance in the early 2000s, though the context was vastly different. The psychological command over the race, however, felt familiar. Rivals stopped plotting to beat Pogacar, they plotted to survive. 💚💛🤍⚪🔴 #TDF2025 — Tour de France™ (@LeTour) July 27, 2025 'It was one of the hardest, if not the hardest, Tours I've been in,' Pogacar told reporters, emphasising the physical and mental challenges of defending his lead over three weeks. The Slovenian's calm demeanour occasionally cracked under pressure. After enduring repeated accelerations from rivals during a mountain stage, he described their tactics as 'a bit annoying.' While Pogacar never appeared physically vulnerable, his transition from carefree to businesslike reflected the immense weight of leadership. Even when Matteo Jorgenson launched an attack, Pogacar personally shut it down despite the American posing no threat to his overall lead — a testament to his meticulous control. Every milestone Pogacar achieves revives comparisons with Merckx, cycling's 'Cannibal,' who devoured everything in his path. The Belgian claimed five Tours, Giro-Tour doubles, and Monument wins during his remarkable career. With four Tour titles, one Giro win, multiple Monuments, and a world championship to his name, Pogacar is the closest to Merckx's level seen in decades. Bernard Hinault, one of four riders with five Tour wins, remarked that Pogacar is 'like me and Merckx,' while Merckx himself admitted that Pogacar's world title ride surpassed his own on that day. The defining question now is whether Pogacar can match Merckx's record of five Tour victories. His 2024 season — winning the Giro, Tour, and World Championships — echoes Merckx's mythical 1974 campaign. The way Pogacar is able to control a race feels organic, driven by raw talent, versatility, and a calm confidence that suggests inevitability rather than fear. Yet the final week of the Tour revealed another layer to Pogacar's character: the strain of expectation. Though his joy faded as the race progressed, replaced by steely determination, it is this duality — exuberance and strain, predator and puppet master — that makes Pogacar a compelling figure in modern cycling. With four Tour wins at 26, Pogacar stands tantalisingly close to the immortal mark of five titles, cementing his place among cycling's greats.
