Mark Cavendish moved clear of Eddy Merckx with his 35th stage win at the Tour de France as he created history on cycling’s biggest stage. The 39-year-old produced a supreme sprint to see off the favourites – a feat made even more remarkable after he suffered with sickness on the opening stage in Italy amid sweltering heat. Cavendish produced a superb sprint on Stage 5 in Saint Vulbas.
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Merih Demiral scored twice – including the quickest knockout-stage goal in European Championship history – as Turkey stunned Austria to set up a quarter-final with the Netherlands. This was arguably the best game of the tournament so far, a thrilling winner-takes-all tie played in pouring rain at a frenetic pace, with both teams roared forward by their fervent support. From Demiral’s first goal in the first minute to a stunning save by Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok to deny Austria an equaliser in the last, there was barely time for the crowd to draw a breath.
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Substitute Donyell Malen scored twice and Cody Gakpo got his third goal of Euro 2024 to help the Netherlands see off a spirited Romania and reach the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time in 16 years. Gakpo opened the scoring with a brilliant finish midway through the first half the Netherlands missed numerous chances after that, but made sure they did not risk paying for it when substitute Malen stabbed in late on from Gakpo’s ball.
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Tadej Pogacar made it 78 professional wins, including 13 this year, as he conquered the Galibier, up and down, to take control of the 2024 Tour de France. UAE Team Emirates pulverised their rivals through the likes of Adam Yates, Juan Ayuso and Joao Almeida on the first big climb of the race, but it was only when Pogacar launched that the GC battle was blown wide open.
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Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears after his penalty was saved in extra time but Portugal still progressed to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 following a dramatic shootout victory over Slovenia. Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa was the hero of the night as he made a crucial save in the final moments of extra-time to deny Benjamin Sesko before saving three Slovenian penalties in a row enabling Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva to send the 2016 Champions into the last eight.
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