logo
Kyiv test to round off idyllic week in Austria

Kyiv test to round off idyllic week in Austria

BBC News10-07-2025
It's my penultimate day in Bad Tatzmannsdorf and I'm writing this from the balcony of the team hotel where there is a lovely view of green hills and trees in this rural region of Austria. It's an idyllic setting for the Albion squad to prepare for the new season and they have been working hard this week with double sessions on most days.The trip will culminate in a behind closed doors friendly against Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kyiv tomorrow lunchtime and you'll be able to follow that on Ed James' show on BBC Radio WM. It's tough opposition and only Albion's second game of the summer, so I wouldn't read too much into the result. It's a fine-tuning exercise in terms of fitness and working the routines I witnessed in training yesterday. I'm really intrigued to see that in action tomorrow.I'm also really intrigued to see what this secluded town has to offer for us tonight. While the Albion squad have brought two of the club's chefs with them to cook them the food required for a footballer's diet, myself and the Express & Star's Albion reporter Lewis Cox, who's also on the trip, have had to fend for ourselves and there isn't much open past a certain hour here. However, I can recommend a langos, which I'm reliably informed is a Hungarian delicacy - Hungary is only 15 miles away from here - and it was like eating a stodgy calzone or Cornish pasty. Mine was filled with pulled pork and it was sehr gut!That was Tuesday's meal. Last night, we left it too late and ended up sharing a pretzel! We did, however, stumble upon some live music. In one Bavarian-style bar there was a man playing an accordion, while around the corner in an amphitheatre, there was a band performing to a decent crowd of locals. Forget K-pop, Austropop is what's on trend here. Hopefully, Albion's players will be singing from the same hymn sheet tomorrow to close out a productive week in Austria.You can follow West Bromwich Albion's friendly against Dynamo Kyiv starting from 10:00 BST on BBC Sounds.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ex-Arsenal star Carl Jenkinson screams for medics and given gas after horror injury in pre-season friendly
Ex-Arsenal star Carl Jenkinson screams for medics and given gas after horror injury in pre-season friendly

The Sun

time5 hours ago

  • The Sun

Ex-Arsenal star Carl Jenkinson screams for medics and given gas after horror injury in pre-season friendly

CARL JENKINSON suffered a horror injury during a pre-season game. The ex-Arsenal star was playing in a friendly match for Bromley against Millwall. 1 Jenkinson, 33, was named in the starting XI for the clash. But in the 68th minute, Jenkinson was left writhing in agony after he stuck his leg out to try and stop a Millwall winger in the build-up to the visitors' second goal. According to From Bromley with Love reporter Peter Etherington, Jenkinson hit the deck following the collision and stayed there. While on the floor, he was seen waving to the bench for medical help. He was then treated with gas before being stretchered off the field. The horrifying incident caused a lengthy delay in the match.

Rea crashes twice as Razgatlioglu wins in Hungary
Rea crashes twice as Razgatlioglu wins in Hungary

BBC News

time7 hours ago

  • BBC News

Rea crashes twice as Razgatlioglu wins in Hungary

Jonathan Rea crashed twice in Saturday's opening World Superbike race of the weekend in Hungary as Toprak Razgatlioglu won to increase his advantage at the top of the championship was a seventh straight race win for the Turkish rider, who had taken his BMW to successive hat-tricks at the and Misano and Donington rounds to assume the series first attempt to run Saturday's race was halted after a crash involving seven riders at the opening chicane, but when the restart got under way it was Razgatlioglu who took control at the head of the field and extended his cushion over the chasing Locatelli, Nicolo Bulega and Alvaro Bautista were all in the mix for the podium positions behind the two-time down the order, Rea crashed his Pata Yamaha at turn one with six laps of the 20 remaining while sitting in eighth place but re-mounted, falling back into 18th six-time champion from Northern Ireland crashed again one lap later however and this time was unable to rejoin the field because of damage to his Razgatlioglu prevailed by 3.7 seconds to win, with Bulega second, his Duacti team-mate Bautista third, then Locatelli, Danilo Petrucci and Alex Lowes making up the top now leads Bulega by nine points at the top of the championship standings, with the Superpole and Race Two still to come at the Balaton Park circuit on a number of riders involved in the crash in the initial running took part in the restarted race, Honda rider Iker Lecuona and Yamaha-mounted Remy Gardner both received treatment in the medical was later diagnosed with a left wrist fracture while Gardner was transported to hospital with a back contusion and suspected concussion.

The best mountain breaks in Europe to escape blistering summer heatwaves
The best mountain breaks in Europe to escape blistering summer heatwaves

The Independent

time15 hours ago

  • The Independent

The best mountain breaks in Europe to escape blistering summer heatwaves

While sunshine is - arguably - crucial for a successful summer holiday, its intensity is now reaching critical limits. Over recent years, temperatures have steadily climbed to unbearable levels, rendering many traditional beach destinations 'no-go zones' throughout July and August. Summer 2024 was Europe 's hottest on record, with land temperatures a stark 1.54°C above the 1991-2020 average. Already this year, Spain and Portugal have registered unprecedented highs of 46°C for June. For those who'd prefer not to burn like a sausage on a grill, finding an alternative holiday option is a priority. According to a recent report from the European Travel Commission, holidaymakers are now seeking milder destinations. Europe's mountains are an obvious choice. Heidi is one of several ski companies now offering summer breaks at higher altitudes at 20 resorts across Austria, Slovenia, Poland, Italy and France. 'We genuinely believe people are happier and healthier from spending time in the mountains, come winter or summer. While mountain resorts have cooler temperatures than the most popular hot spots in the Med, they still offer plenty of summer sunshine and swimming opportunities,' says the company's co-founder, Marcus Blunt. Here are a few of the refreshing above-sea-level breaks where it's possible to soak up sunshine and swim in freshwater lakes. Lake Bohinj, Slovenia Average summer temperature: 25°C Celebrated by Lonely Planet as one of the best wild swimming spots in Europe, Lake Bohinj promises refreshingly clear waters and mighty mountain views of the Julian Alps. Located in a glacial valley 500metres above sea level in the Triglav National Park, it's a relaxing base for hikes reached by a cable car. Explore the rapids, waterfalls and imagination-bending rock formations of the Mostnica Canyon and look out for signs of lynx, bears and wolves. Wind down at Hotel Bohinj, close to the lake, where a wellness centre features a Finnish and Turkish sauna. How: A four-night B&B stay costs from at £1,195 per person sharing, including three evening meals, flights to Ljubljana and transfers. Visit Alta Badia, Italy Average summer temperature: 18°C There are more than 400km of signposted trails in this area of the Dolomites, at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,250 metres, accessible by more cable cars than ever this summer. An Alta Badia Summer Card (€90/£77 per adult, €63/£54 for those aged 8-16, and free of charge for under eights) gives access to the lifts and it's also possible to sign up for guided hikes at the tourist board. A 40-minute hike from the Gardenacia cable car, the Gardenacia refuge offers bargain stays from €65/£56pp per room, with an onsite sauna available for an additional cost. Spend any saved pennies on gourmet meals and one of the region's famous dining huts. How: Visit Carinthia, Austria Average summer temperature: 28°C For several centuries, travellers have retreated to the shores of Lake Wörthersee in Carinthia to cool off during the heat of summer. A grand dame of the Austrian Riviera, former 17th century castle Schloss Velden now operates as a luxury hotel surrounded by elegant, landscaped gardens. A private beach gives access to the lake and motorboat rides depart from the hotel's own marina. From the lake's midpoint, it's possible to see the mountain borders with Italy to the west and Slovenia to the south. Find even more respite from the heat with a visit to Kranzelbinder gem store and fossil museum in nearby Portschach, which has an underground sensory crystal room. How: Stays at Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden start from £330 per night (two sharing), including breakfast. Visit . Average summer temperature: 18-22°C Montenegro's UNESCO-listed Durmitor National Park presents a pristine alpine sanctuary near Žabljak, the Balkans' highest town. Glacier-carved lakes, dramatic limestone peaks, and dense pine forests offer cool refuge from the Mediterranean heat. Adventure seekers can swim in the Black Lake, or experience world-class white-water rafting through the Tara River Canyon – Europe's deepest gorge. The park's 18 glittering glacial lakes, known as 'mountain eyes' are a magnet for photographers. Discover the Upper Engadine Valley's botanical treasures on an alpine adventure among fragrant Arolla pine and larch forests. Based in Pontresina, 1,800 meters above sea level, join expert botanist guides for hikes through wildflower meadows bursting with endemic alpine species like edelweiss and gentian. This sun-splashed south-west-facing terrace at Val Bernina's foot offers perfect conditions for diverse flora. There are also chances to encounter Alpine marmots and ibex along the way. Take a ride on the UNESCO-listed Albula Bernina Railway, one of the world's most scenic train routes, to soak it all in.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store