Ireland set to launch bid to host Tour de France Grand Départ

The island of Ireland intends to pursue a joint North-South bid to host the opening stages of a future Tour de France in either 2026 or 2027. Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Minister Gordon Lyons MLA have today submitted an expression of interest in the formal bidding process to the Tour organisers.

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Real Madrid prove too strong for Barca in El Clásico

Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde and Rodrygo were all on target as a dominant Real Madrid beat old rivals Barcelona 3-1 at home in El Clasico to move top of La Liga. Ferran Torres scored a late goal for Barca to spark hopes of a comeback but an injury time penalty put the result beyond doubt.

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Chelsea’s Reece James set to miss World Cup

Reece James is set to be ruled out of England’s World Cup squad after Chelsea confirmed the right-back is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks with a knee injury. The 22-year-old sustained the injury late in the second half of Tuesday’s 2-0 victory at AC Milan in the Champions League.

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Phil Foden signs new deal at Manchester City

Phil Foden has signed a new long-term contract at Manchester City, it was announced on Friday. The 22-year-old forward has penned a deal that is set to keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2027. It represents a five-year contract and a three-year extension to his existing deal, which was due to run until 2024.

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