theindependent--2019-04-02--9 best sports bras to take you from treadmill to triathlon

Two words: nipple chaffing. Whether you’re a beginner runner trudging it out on the pavement or an experienced triathlete boasting a sub-seven minute mile, all sporting aficionados will attest to the sheer agony of “runners nipple” – irritation as a result of the friction of clothing against the nipple during physical exercise.  While lubrication (think handfuls of Vaseline) and nipple guards can offer assistance, the best place to start with prevention is a well-fitted, supportive sports bra.  While women in ancient civilisations are believed to have bound their breasts with leather, sports bras didn’t come into commercial circulation until the 1970s with the growing popularity of jogging in the US, the women’s liberation movement and Title IX, the federal law requiring equality between the sexes in education and sports.  However, despite it being around for more than 40 years, a survey conducted at the 2012 London Marathon found that 32 per cent of women indicated they experience breast pain while running. And it’s not hard to see why.  During exercise, most notably running, the motion of movement puts the Cooper ligaments (the connective tissue in the breast that help maintain structural integrity) under strain and incorrect support may lead to soreness and lasting damage.  As a result, the type of sports bra you require largely depends on the type of activity you’ll be doing.  The majority of bras offer three types of support: low (walking, yoga), medium (cycling, dancing), and high impact (running, aerobics). As a result, their construction will vary, with some featuring a cupless-design, no wiring, and more elasticated fabric to restrict movement (medium), to defined cup structures, with wiring and hook-and-eye closures to compress and maximise support.  When it comes to the fit, it’s important to remember a sports bra should feel tighter than a usual bra (after all, who knows how your body will be contorted in a yoga class), but shouldn’t be restrictive. Equally, underwiring should lay flat against the ribcage, and the sweat-wickening band shouldn’t ride up when you raise your hands above your head.  We tried a range of sports bras, ranging in support, design, and structure and put them to the test during a variety of sporting activities ranging from yoga and pilates to boxing and running. From Victoria’s Secret to Lululemon, here’s our top pick of the best – and most comfortable – sports bras to invest in.  In 2016, Victoria’s Secret announced its new athleisure division, Victoria Sport, with bras coming in widths 30-40 and A-DDD, catering to a plethora of gym-goers in search of functional, supportive bras that don’t compromise on design and affordability.  With moulded cups that sculpt the breast and compression fabric that provides extra support, this bra delivers when it comes to flattering busts of all sizes and providing security during intense workouts. Its integrated wire is stiff but not constrictive, giving its wearer support and structure. Likewise, its racer back is narrow enough along the spine for exaggerated arm moments, be it dancing or boxing.  We were slightly conscious the under arm cut might irritate the skin but were pleasantly surprised to learn it was soft on the skin. Following a 20 mile run on a hot spring afternoon, the bra proved comfortable, didn’t chaff, and was lightweight thanks to its moisture-wicking fabric and thin lining. The adjustable straps are ideal for those needing an extra bit of bounce control, and its back closure is malleable enough to slip on and off. Better still, it didn't lose its structure after five machine washes and was one of the quickest bras to dry among the lot.  As one of the most reasonably priced sports bras we tested, we are seriously considering investing in this bra in all seven of its colourways.  At first glance, this athletic garment may seem like your run-of-the mill sports bra, with its mesh lining, sweat-wicking band and adjustable straps, but it’s only when we slipped on the bra that we understood just how well-crafted it is for high-impact activities, be it running and court sports, or aerobics and yoga.  Ranging from sizes 32A to 38DD, the design compliments all shapes and sizes, with its foam pads providing the ideal amount of coverage during sporting activity, tightly sculpting the bust just enough to provide an hourglass shape without overly-exaggerating an individual’s cup size and becoming restrictive.  Contrary to many bras with stiff metal under wiring, the bra boasts a gel-coated alternative which provides extra comfort and flexibility, and still offers the right support required for an arduous long run or intense boxing class.  One of the bra’s best feature is it’s seamless-like design and sweetheart neckline. This means you can wear it underneath a sports top without contrasting colour ways and compromising on style. The bra also cuts low enough underneath the armpit to avoid the dreaded gym-goer skin irritation.  We found the hook and eye closure proved challenging when securing the bra on the first few wears but we did get the hang of it in the end. However, this is a small price to pay given that its fastening leaves you safe in the knowledge the bra won’t come undergone in the middle of a run or worse, an exercise class. At this price, we would say it’s worth the investment.  It’s rare for a sports bra to tick all the boxes when it comes to providing comfort and sartorial prowess.  What stands out from the bra initially is its branded metallic logo emblazoned across the front of the chest. Metallics proved popular on the autumn/winter 2019 catwalk earlier this year, with brands ranging from Mark Howard Thomas and Helmut Lang all showing the opulent sheen on designs. As a result, this medium-impact choice of bra is ideal for those in search for a fashion-forward option to wear in the gym.  As for its functionality, given the bra’s elasticated sweat-wicking band and narrow straps, we would advise wearing the bra during low-intensity activity. And while the lack of underwiring may prove a turnoff for those with larger busts, it is perfect for those with smaller cup sizes on the search for compression support.  What it may lack in rigidity, it makes up for in its mesh panelling and NB dry fabric which helps the perspiring conscious among you stay dry and cool during a workout.  Fabletics is the brainchild of co-CEOs Don Ressler, Adam Goldenberg and actor Kate Hudson. Despite the plethora of activewear brands, few offered the stylish, high quality designs at an affordable price. In 2013, Fabletics launched and last year it announced to bring its total number of US and international stores to 100.  Business aside, this Fabeletics sports bra delivers on all fronts when it comes to what you need for a workout. It has thick adjustable straps and a front closure with two additional hook and eye fastenings meaning you feel the upmost security, no matter when you’re in a downwards dog position or in the middle of a Zumba class. From our experience, this is a rare yet essential design feature in the sphere of athleticwear and definitely puts this bra ahead of its contemporaries.  In terms of design, its choice of 10 colourways will suit all tastes and it has removable cups for those who prefer less padding. We also found the breathable mesh inserts, while not essential during a workout, provide a modern aesthetic twist.  We wore this sports bra for a long-distance run and a 45-minute high intensity interval training (HIIT) class and did notice a slight bit of movement. As a result, we would suggest wearing this bra for low to medium-impact activities.  Anyone who has ever battled with a piece of Lycra sportswear in the gym will know that when you’re pressed for time, you need a sports bra that’s easy to slip on and off without having to worry about an impending visit to Accident and Emergency.  Beachbody caters to time-sensitive individuals, with its elasticated polyamide microfiber yarns making it easy to slide over your head before and after a workout, and compression bands that wrap the muscle zones to improve muscular elasticity and comfort and prevent excess friction.  We wore the bra for a 70-minute vinyasa yoga class and it felt soft against the skin and its seamless construction meant it was near invisible underneath a vest top. However, we would say its sweat-wickening band is thick enough so it can easily be worn on its own without layering and provides enough support. The design is cut low enough under the armpit and narrows in towards the spine, make it unrestrictive – a perfect design component for wide arm movements, whether it’s warrior II pose or a deadlift.  It’s worth noting the bra doesn’t have underwiring, so those with larger cup sizes may want to steer clear of this option.  Front-zip sportsbras have long been the choice du jour for women wanting support and convenience when quickly changing out of daywear into gymwear.  This bra from Dorina is the perfect option for those wanting to partake in a medium-impact activity, with its front closure and non-wired racer-back providing the perfect amount of support.  While it doesn’t have the double hook and eye clasp that the Fabletics option does, it still felt secure during three 5km runs. The bra also comes in a variety of sizes (medium to 3XL) and is made with thick mesh straps providing the perfect level of breathability and support.  We must admit, it’s not often that we would choose a non-padded bra to workout in, but after trailing this alternative we found the lack of cushioning is not only comfortable but minimises the fullness of a cup size. In addition, the unusual leaf design, coupled with the colour block micro and jacquard mesh, provides a modern take on athletic wear. Better still it was the most competitively priced bra out of all the garments we tested.  Velvet and sweat don’t usually make for a blissful marriage in the world of sport but for this design, we are making an exception. In February 2018, Asos launched its in-house active wear range, Asos 4505, following on from its activewear campaign “more reasons to move”. The aim? To empower their customers to get fit with affordable and functional sportswear.  Blending the boundaries between sport and daily life, this bra could be easily worn in a gym class as it could at a summer festival. As for its sporting suitability, the high neckline and elongated torso design tightly secures the bust for low-medium activity.  Its crossover straps are lightweight and secures the top to the body, while its low cut under the armpit to the spine avoid friction between the fabric and skin. However, in our opinion, its narrow cut at the front makes it more suitable for those with smaller busts, especially as it lacks the underwiring required for those needing more support.  After an hour’s boxing and HIIT class and a 45-minute run, we found the compression fabric was soft on skin, while its non-stretch bra straps kept everything in place. Our favourite feature? The velvet back panelling. It’s smooth, soft, and, oh, so luxurious. Coming in as the second cheapest bra we tested, we think this one wins overall on fashion rather than functionality.  Launched by fashion industry veterans Joanna Turner, Sarah Donnelly and Donna Harris in 2015, LNDR has become one of the most sought-after London-based active wear brands, taking sporting aficionados from Pilates to brunch, thanks to its practicality and clean aesthetic.  Given each LDNR garment is made with temperature regulating technology and antibacterial and waterproof fabrics, we expected the black Raid sports bra to deliver (especially as it’s the second most expensive bra we tested), but not this much.  The double layer lining offers optimum support, as does its wide, elasticated sweat-wickening band, cut-out racer design and straps that come together just below the nape of the neck. When testing this bra out during 10 mile run, we instantly noticed it didn’t rub on our shoulders or collar bone, as some bras often do, which definitely made it a serious contender for our best buy option.  With available sizes ranging from extra small to large, the bra fits a broad spectrum of sixes and stretches to fit. Our biggest critique would be that we noticed a slight bit of bust movement during the long-distance run so would advise wearing the bra for bodyweight exercises such as front squats and glute bridges. While the price tag does demand a lot, we think it’s still worth a consideration.  Designed specifically for running, the lightweight, breathable built-in cups allow for soft bounce and aren’t too restrictive on impact. Contrary to many designs, its bonded underband (which is so seamless it looked like we weren’t even wearing a bra) was fitted, without being constrictive or digging into the breastbone.  While its cross-over back straps are non-adjustable, the bra sits firmly in place and has a stitch-free hook and eye closure making it easy to secure and tighten, depending on the fit. With six colourways to choose from and sizes ranging from 32B to 34 F, the bra is perfect for runners starting out on the pavement or marathon veterans of all sizes.  As the most expensive bra we tested, it’s definitely worth asking yourself what you need from a sports bra. If it’s comfort and support, this is certainly one to keep in mind. Our only frustration was that the cut of the bra meant it was quite tight around the armpit, so you might want to consider what type of exercise you want to wear this for (our advice would be for weight training).  Overall, the lightweight max bra from Victoria’s Sport came out on top as our best buy after several workouts. The one-piece foam pad is lightweight, the wiring is supportive, while its structure limits bounce making exercise not only more doable but also comfortable (a rarity in our experience). Alternatively, we would suggest the Under Armour heatgear armour (that gel-coaed underwire alone made us want one). For those wanting to spend a little bit more cash on their choice of bra, we would also suggest investing in the Lululemon enlite bra, given its seamless design and comfort.  IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.


theindependent--2019-07-30--9 best womenaposs wetsuits for every type of watersport

9 best women's wetsuits for every type of watersport

There has never been such a great selection of wetsuits for women doing all manner of watersports, from surfing and stand-up paddling to triathlon and open-water swimming.  The first thing you need to know about a wetsuit is the fit. This will be different for everyone, depending on body shape and brand, but your wetsuits needs to fit snugly in order to work.  If it’s baggy, you’ll lose the benefit of insulation and instead have a lot of cold salty water sloshing around inside your suit.  What else do you need to think about when choosing a wetsuit?  Primarily, what you’ll be using it for. Triathlon and open-water swimming wetsuits are more buoyant than surfing wetsuits, and the fabric can be thinner and less durable.  If you’re mostly going to be using your wetsuit in summer, you might want to consider a shorty or sleeveless wetsuit. These wetsuits are also good for stand-up paddling, too.  Here, we’ve included some warmer wetsuits for UK waters of about 15-20C and some for cold-water surfing too, when the water temperature drops to about 6-10C.  We tested each of these suits for comfort and performance during swimming and more vigorous sports on the sunny shores of Brighton beach.  You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.  The Advance from Zone3, is a top-quality women’s triathlon wetsuit at an entry-level price. We found it great to swim fast in, and definitely felt like we were expending less energy than usual. There was enough flexibility on the shoulders for smooth arm strokes and the neck was comfy and not too high. We found the suit easy to get on and off, especially on the cuffs and ankles, which is of course important for speed in triathlon races.  This wetsuit would also be good for open-water swimming, with the bright turquoise sleeves making you nice and visible. Suitable for water temperatures above 17C; available in sizes XS-XL.  We really rate Alder wetsuits, as they’re great value relative to the rest of the market and they perform well. The Impact suit is a good choice for an entry-level wetsuit for British summers and warm autumn days.  It’s lightweight, flexible to paddle in, and easy enough to get on and off. The Impact could be used for all watersports, except for those wanting to go fast in triathlon and open-water swimming. Suitable for water temperatures 14-18C; available in sizes 8-18 and in a shorty version.  Shorty spring suits, such as the Grace 2.2 from Picture Organic, are good for surfing in warmer summer temperatures. But they also work well for stand-up paddling, especially if you want more flexibility in your legs, but also to have the warmth and protection of a wetsuit on top.  It wasn’t the easiest wetsuit to get on, even though the fabric was stretchy, but we loved the style and the lack of zips, which are omitted for environmental reasons. It’s also made from sustainable eicoprene rather than oil-based neoprene. Suitable for water temperatures 22-26C; available in sizes XS-L; also sold in black/palm print.  We loved the style of this Long Jane wetsuit. The lack of arm fabric made for easy paddling while surfing and swimming, but we did feel vulnerable to the cold when the air temperature dropped. The wetsuit was stretchy and really easy to get on and off. It’s not the thickest suit so more suited to summer in Europe and hot days in the UK, than the shoulder seasons. Suitable for water temperatures 21-23C; available in sizes 2-12; also sold in black.  This is a great value shorty wetsuit from Decathlon’s own surfing brand, Olaian. It’s a good affordable choice for surfing, stand-up paddling or even doing your first few triathlons in warm but not tropical waters. Especially for those new to watersports who want to test out whether they’ll like it before splurging on more expensive kit.  It has a zip at the back and was stretchy enough to get on and off easily, though the fit wasn’t as snug as some of the other wetsuits on test, which would affect how well insulated you were after a while in the water. Suitable for water temperatures 22C and above; available in sizes XS-XL; also sold in black/grey/gold.  This is a high-performance wetsuit at a really decent price. It keeps you toasty all over, but the fabric is soft and lightweight, giving experienced surfers lots of flexibility for progressive, trick-based contest surfing.  It felt like a hard-wearing wetsuit that would stand up to frequent use, and we liked the extra protection on the knees for added durability. The front zip design made it easy to get on and off. Suitable for water temperatures 10-14C; available in sizes 2-12.  The Nieuwland from Cornish surf brand Finisterre is a good choice cold-water wetsuit for year-round surfing in British waters. We liked the hood, which could be easily tightened, and the extra fabric around your back, which helps you retain heat for longer sessions.  It sealed nicely around the wrists to further keep heat in. The front design and stretch fabric made it easy to get on and off, though the best feature in that regard was the two special loops on the calves, which helped you pull the suit off quickly and easily. Suitable for water temperatures 8-14C; available in sizes 6-12.  This brand has a great reputation for making triathlon wetsuits and the Sonar is no exception, especially for more serious tri racers or open-water swimmers. The Sonar felt really flexible in the upper body for fast arm strokes, but it also had strong buoyancy in the trunk and legs to help you maintain an efficient swim position in the water. The fabric was smooth to further reduce drag, and we found the wetsuit easy to get off for fast transitions. Suitable for water temperatures above 17C; available in sizes S-XL.  This is a premium wetsuit for hardy surfers who ride waves in waters just above zero. And it really does keep you incredibly warm, helped by the built-in hood. The R4 is comfy to wear and the front-zip and stretchy fabric makes it easier to get on and off than is often the case with thick wetsuits. As you’d expect from Patagonia, the wetsuit’s eco credentials are strong, as it’s made from Yulux, which is composed of natural rubber, rather than petroleum-derived neoprene. It’s also made using fair labour practices. Suitable for water temperatures 3-9C; available in sizes 4-12.  We made the Zone3 advance wetsuit our top choice as it was a great value, high-quality triathlon suit, though for all-round watersports we would also recommend the Alder Impact. The Roxy zipperless long Jane wetsuit and Picture Organic Grace 2.2 wetsuit are both fun summer alternative choices too.  IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.


fortune--2019-01-03--Ticket Prices Plunge for National College Football Championship Game

College football fans may be getting tired of showing up to see rivals Clemson and Alabama battle it out.  Ticket prices on the secondary market for the Jan. 7 National Championship Game are 63% lower than they were at this time last year, according to reseller TickPick. The average ticket will run you $1,039 on the service, with some going for as little as $133.  Compare that to $2,984 for last year’s match-up between the Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs.  To be fair, this year’s teams are familiar opponents. Last year Alabama, led by coach Nick Saban, stomped Clemson in the playoffs after losing to them in the 2017 championship game. They faced off in 2016 when Alabama took home the national championship.  Location could also have something to do with flagging ticket prices. Last year, the championship was played in Atlanta, which is an easy drive for fans of both schools. This year, it will take place at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.  Ticket prices on other reseller sites reflect a similar drop in demand. On Ebay-owned Stubhub, prices start at $118.75 for a nosebleed seat. Last year, those sold for as much as $2,000. Now, field-level seats sell for under $600, although VIP all-inclusive seats go for much more.  For what it’s worth, this year’s average is still better than what fans were paying when Clemson and Alabama met in Glendale, Ariz. in 2017. For that game, tickets on the secondary market were as low as $190, with an average price of $675, the lowest price since 2011.  This year’s National Championship Game will be played Monday, Jan. 7 at 8:00 p.m. ET.


thedailycaller--2019-06-03--Tickets To The Georgia Vs Notre Dame Football Game Are The Most Expensive In The Country

Tickets To The Georgia Vs. Notre Dame Football Game Are The Most Expensive In The Country

You’ll have to pay a lot of money if you want to see Georgia and Notre Dame play football this season.  Forbes reported the following on ticket sales for when the Fighting Irish pay the Bulldogs a visit September 21:  The cheapest seats available on VividSeats.com on Tuesday evening ran a cool $407, and that was to sit in the 600 level in the upper reaches of the 92,746-seat stadium. That asking price was $130 more than that for the next-closest game – the cheapest seats for Alabama at Auburn were $277 – and yet some sellers are asking far more for their tickets to see the Bulldogs host the Golden Domers. Of the 273 individual seats or sets of tickets for sale on Vivid Seats’ site Tuesday, 115 sellers (or 42%) were asking for $1,000 or more per seat.  That is a hell of a lot of money for a non-conference game in September. It’s currently blowing the Iron Bowl right out of the water, and that’s widely considered the first or second biggest rivalry in the sport.  Despite the fact I might be the biggest college football fan on the planet, I’m not sure I could justify spending this kind of cash to watch Georgia and Notre Dame play unless you’re tied to one of the schools.  Neither team has won a title in the past few years, and there are better games throughout the season. Michigan/Ohio State, which might be the only rivalry bigger than the Iron Bowl, is the kind of game I’d spend big money on as a casual fan. (RELATED: Georgia Will Sell Beer At Football Games For Those Who Donate $25,000)  Notre Dame vs. Georgia? I’d find that to be a hard pill to swallow.  The fact 42% of people want more than $1,000 per ticket is outrageous. Again, it’d be different if one of these schools had just won a national title, but that’s not the case.  I know SEC and Notre Dame fans are passionate people, but this is a little excessive. This isn’t Alabama we’re taking about here.  It’s Georgia! The idea of paying that much is almost laughable.  Sound off in the comments how much you’d be willing to pay for a big-time college football game. I’d go sky high for the Badgers, but I’m not busting out that kind of cash for a non-conference game between two teams I’m not tied to.


eveningstandard--2019-02-07--Premier League away ticket prices Clubs unanimously vote to continue 30 cap

Premier League away ticket prices: Clubs unanimously vote to continue £30 cap

Travelling Premier League fans will continue to enjoy £30 tickets after all 20 top flight clubs unanimously decided to continue capping ticket prices.  The cap on match tickets has been in place since the start of the 2016-17 season in a bid to make travelling to games more affordable and maintain the atmosphere at grounds.  Initially brought in for three seasons, top-flight clubs have now voted to extend the measures for away supporters by a further three years.  In a statement, the Premier League said: "All clubs know the crucial importance of away fans in generating the best possible atmosphere at matches, and recognise the additional travel costs often involved when following a team away from home.  "The £30 away ticket cap was introduced in season 2016-17, following the successful implementation of the Premier League Away Supporters' Initiative which saw clubs provide a range of measures for their away fans.  "For the last four consecutive seasons, Premier League crowds have reached record levels with 96 per cent of tickets sold.  "This is testament to the compelling football and dedication of fans, and the league is committed to maintaining these high attendances."


newsweek--2019-01-24--Why Are Super Bowl LIII Ticket Prices Dropping Matchup Government Shutdown Cost of Trip All Facto

Why Are Super Bowl LIII Ticket Prices Dropping? Matchup, Government Shutdown, Cost of Trip All Factors for Decline

Tickets for Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams have dropped 17 percent since the matchup was set last Sunday. The game is scheduled for Feb. 3 in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Falcons.  The Super Bowl is the most-watched sporting event in the United States every year, and the game usually ranks among the Top 5 TV shows watched during any calendar year.  With the game still more than a week away, the hottest ticket in town is becoming a little bit cheaper. But before logging on to grab one, keep in mind that a cheap seat is still $2,795 for the big game.  TicketIQ, a blog that aggregates ticket prices, has tracked the last 10 Super Bowls. According to the site, this year’s starting prices ($8,000) for resale are $1,000 down from last year’s game, which also saw a sharp decline. The site claims the average price of a ticket on the secondary market is $7,448. But why are they dropping? Several factors are responsible.  The decline in resale tickets began Sunday night after the Super Bowl LIII matchup was set. The Patriots and Rams, both No. 2 seeds in their conference championship games, each won an overtime road game against the top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints, respectively.  The Rams-Saints game in the NFC Championship has been highly scrutinized by the media, and Saints fans alike, after a no-call on apparent pass interference by the Rams late in the game. In theory, the Saints could have run out the clock and kicked a late field goal for a win. However, the Rams got the ball back, tied the game and then won it in overtime.  A Saints-Patriots matchup would have pitted two of the top quarterbacks — and likely two future Hall of Fame selections in Tom Brady and Drew Brees — against each other. This report in the Baton Rouge Advocate states a New Orleans appearance in the Super Bowl would have drawn a larger crowd from the Saints' fan base, which is largely in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. Instead, the game will rely on fans from Los Angeles and New England or the casual football fan wanting to see a Super Bowl.  Patriots in their 11th Super Bowl, 9th with Brady-Belichick  There was a time when America heartily rooted for New England. The most notorious was Super Bowl XXXVI, when the fresh-faced Brady and the Patriots faced the vaunted St. Louis Rams. It was the first Super Bowl after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, and American patriotism was at fever pitch. The Patriots upset the Rams, who were called "The Greatest Show on Turf."  But now, this is the ninth Super Bowl appearance together for Brady and New England coach Bill Belichick, and 11th overall for the Patriots since their first appearance against the Chicago Bears in 1986. WBUR in Boston says Patriots fans have developed "fatigue" with nine Super Bowl trips in 18 years.  The government shutdown affects travel to Atlanta and security around the game  Speaking of fatigue, there are the workers at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the busiest airport in the country. Despite the United States government's ongoing partial shutdown over the funding of President Donald Trump’s proposed barrier along the U.S.-Mexico border, the unpaid workers and security at Hartsfield-Jackson say they will work through the shutdown, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  The shutdown has affected TSA and air traffic controllers, causing backed up security lines and weary traffic controllers. Though United Airlines said it will increase flights to accommodate extra passengers and flights from Houston, Boston and Los Angeles to Atlanta, according to the Houston Business Journal.  With the government shutdown comes those who are more willing to sock away money than spend it on more frivolous things, like Super Bowl trips. Travel to Atlanta varies by city, as well. According to Priceline.com, the cheapest nonstop round-trip ticket from Los Angeles to Atlanta is $551.62 on carrier Spirit Airways, which has only one flight option at that price. Then there are hotels, cabs and other transportation. Most hotels in the inner city have been booked for months, and even hotels located within an hour of Atlanta have high rental rates the week of the Super Bowl.  Super Bowl LII last year between the Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles saw a sharp decline in the few days following the championship games, according to TicketIQ. It could have been partly that the Minnesota Vikings fans, who’d just seen their team lose to the Eagles, couldn’t see their home team play the Super Bowl in their hometown. Those second-hand ticket prices dropped from $9,000 on championship Sunday to $4,081 by the Super Bowl — a 55 percent drop.  The biggest gainer from championship Sunday to the Super Bowl over the last 10 years was 2015, when the average second-hand price for a ticket went from $3,832 to $9,723 — a 253 percent increase.


themanchestereveningnews--2019-03-22--Dont expect UEFA to back Manchester United fans over ticket prices - theyre part of the problem

Don't expect UEFA to back Manchester United fans over ticket prices - they're part of the problem

In December UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin discussed the issue of fans being charged high ticket prices for European games and declared: "It would be good to do something to cap prices."  Clearly those hollow words haven't been put into action given Barcelona are charging United fans £102 to watch their team in the Nou Camp in next month's Champions League quarter-final second leg. It's a scandalous price for a 90-minute game of football, especially when those travelling fans will have already paid out for flights, hotel rooms, Estrella and tapas.  United fans have suffered more than most with price hikes. They were charged £89 to watch their team at Sevilla last season and £77 at Valencia back in December. Now Barcelona have broken the £100 barrier. It's a century nobody should be proud of.  Ceferin was asked about the problem at the end of 2018 and his comments made for a nifty soundbite for UEFA.  "We know about the problem," he said. "It would be good to do something to cap prices.  "It’s absolutely not correct that that away fans are being charged five times more than the local ones.  "The clubs are using tricks to go around the regulations, so maybe the solution is to say what is the highest prices that can be charged to away fans.  "Football is played for the fans - if the fans are treated improperly or not the same as the home fans, that’s simply wrong."  Some UEFA bigwigs will have been unable to contain their sniggering at Ceferin's "football is played for the fans" line. Those very same fans who will struggle to attend the Champions League final because of decisions made by the governing body.  Last month UEFA revealed their ticket prices for the Champions League final in Madrid on June 1. The cheapest come in at €70 (£60), the next at €160 (£139), category two tickets are €450 (£391) and the top price tickets are €600 (£521). Presumably you get a seat on the bench for that sort of price.  How can UEFA turn around to Barcelona and tell them off for charging £102 fans, when barely any of the tickets available for their showpiece final are priced under that? Expecting your average fan to pay £521 for a Champions League final ticket shows there is no end to football's greed. The game is eating itself whole and still looking for a dessert.  That's before we come on to the ticket allocation for the final. The Estadio Metropolitano has a capacity of 63,500, but each finalist will receive just 17,000 tickets. A further 4,000 will be sold to fans via UEFA's website, leaving a total of 25,500 tickets in the hands of UEFA fat cats, sponsors and the like. Expect many to end up on the black market.  In terms of business sense UEFA can make a supply and demand argument. Fans will pay those prices, probably more, so why not charge those outrageous fees for the final? That is an argument that spectacularly misses the point. Football isn't about getting the wealthiest fans in the ground, it's about opening the game up to all supporters, not discriminating them based on disposable income.  Football fans are being taken for granted, especially fans as passionate as United's, who will do all they can to see their team live. Barcelona's prices for the Nou Camp return are a scandal, but complaining to UEFA will make no difference. They're not the solution, they're part of the problem.


themanchestereveningnews--2019-05-30--Man City fan group back club after increased ticket prices

Manchester City fan group 1894 have backed the club after they announced their decision to increase season ticket prices.  Prices for next season were officially released to supporters on Thursday and the club confirmed there had been an average three per cent increase on tickets across the stadium.  Club sources stressed their pricing structure allows their Seasoncards to be accessible to all supporters and believe their prices make them one of the most reasonable in the top tier. And despite a few grumblings the decision to put prices up has been backed by fan group 1894, although they'd rather they were frozen.  "Whilst we feel fans generally are paying too much for football and we feel strongly that prices should be frozen full stop, there has not been too much dissent this time around about season ticket prices," a spokesman for the group told MEN Sport.  "The club have off the pitch issues to deal with and there's an understanding of the support about this now and the fans are very much backing the owners as they have delivered what they promised years ago - to bring sustained success to the club.  "In the context of the season we have just had, the fantastic football we are experiencing - the fans will no doubt renew again in huge numbers. The relocation window also offers fans a chance to move and potentially grab a bargain."  The most expensive season ticket is now £950 with the cheapest priced at £325 and the group believe the pricing structure is also important in relation to the atmosphere.  "We comment on the ticket prices because we feel they have a knock on effect with atmosphere," the spokesman continued "We think the club have developed a better understanding of that correlation in recent seasons.  "With safestanding on the agenda the way to get all the noisiest fans together would be to look at the pricing for such a section. It's an opportunity to get things right once and for all."  City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak touched on the possible introduction of safe standing in his end of season interview.  "You didn't ask me about safestanding so I'll pre-empt you," he told the club website. "That's one of the areas that we're certainly considering. I'm a huge fan. I think it's such an important part of the game.  "I would love for us to have a safe standing area. That would be great for the fans and the players and the Etihad atmosphere."

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk ( Charlotte Duncker)


thesun--2019-01-14--Fans can watch England for 23 as Nations League finals ticket prices revealed

Fans can watch England for £23 as Nations League finals ticket prices revealed

ENGLAND fans can cheer on their heroes for just £23 this summer in the Nations League finals in Portugal.  The [Three Lions face Holland on June 6](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7887148/nations-league-draw-live- england-netherlands-portugal-switzerland-semi-finals/), with Portugal taking on Switzerland in the other semi-final a day earlier.  ![ The Nations League was criticised at first but fans got behind the concept]()  Getty - Contributor  The Nations League was criticised at first but fans got behind the concept  And [Uefa have announced](https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/newsid=2589546.html) that 75 per cent of tickets will go to fans of the four countries, as well as the general public.  Each nation will secure at least 10,000 seats after complaints events had become too geared towards corporate sponsors.  England's clash in Guimaraes will see tickets ranging from £23 to £106.  And if [Gareth Southgate'](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/gareth-southgate/)s side reach the final, the prices will not jump too far, with some available for £35.  ![ England supporters will be happy with the reasonable ticket prices]()  Reuters  England supporters will be happy with the reasonable ticket prices  ![ The Three Lions beat Spain and Croatia to make the last four]()  Alamy Live News  The Three Lions beat Spain and Croatia to make the last four  Guimaraes' D Afonso Henriques Stadium, which has a capacity of 30,000, was picked ahead of larger arenas - notably the 60,000-seater home of [Benfica](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1558298/benfica/).  Porto's Stadio do Dragao - which fits 50,000 - will host the other semi-final and the showpiece.  ![ Gareth Southgate will lead his side into the finals on the back of a strong World Cup]()  AFP or licensors  Gareth Southgate will lead his side into the finals on the back of a strong World Cup  England boss Gareth Southgate shock candidate for Manchester United job after amazing 2018 World Cup - Original  England[ beat Spain and Croatia](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/7770163/england-2-croatia-1 -uefa-nations-league/) to reach the last four of the first ever Nations League.  Four nations will earn a spot at Euro 2020 via the tournament, which has replaced international friendlies.


thesun--2019-01-16--Arsenal freeze ticket prices but fans fuming at stingy owner Stan Kroenke want them LOWERED

Arsenal freeze ticket prices – but fans fuming at stingy owner Stan Kroenke want them LOWERED

ARSENAL have revealed they have frozen ticket prices for the fifth season running - but that still hasn't stopped fans voicing their anger at owner Stan Kroenke.  Supporters have been left fuming that the [club have no money to spend in the January transfer window](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8164167 /arsenal-emery-no-money-transfer/), despite losing three out of their last six league games.  ![ Arsenal fans continue to voice their anger at stingy American owner Stan Kroenke]()  Getty - Contributor  Arsenal fans continue to voice their anger at stingy American owner Stan Kroenke  Their form has seen them drop further ground on fourth-placed Chelsea, and with the Blues next up for the Gunners, followed by an FA Cup tie against Manchester United, a negative atmosphere has once again returned to the Emirates.  But [Arsenal](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196653/arsenal/) looked to raise the spirits of fans after stating that club level tickets and general admission will not rise for the tenth time in 14 years.  While the North London side also promised that around 26,000 tickets will be priced from just £10 for Carabao Cup games, with away tickets subsidised by £4.  Managing director Vinai Venkatesham said: “We have fantastic support from our fans at Emirates Stadium, and are pleased to confirm that ticket prices will be held flat again for next season.”  ![ The Gunners have announced they have frozen ticket prices for the fifth successive season]()  Getty - Contributor  The Gunners have announced they have frozen ticket prices for the fifth successive season  ![ Unai Emery recently revealed Arsenal have no money for permanent signings this month]()  Reuters  Unai Emery recently revealed Arsenal have no money for permanent signings this month  Though should Arsenal secure a top four spot in the top-flight, prices would rise if [Unai Emery](https://www.thesun.co.uk/who/unai-emery/) manages to guide the club into the Champions League.  But fans were still left seething at Kroenke, urging prices be lowered, with Arsenal already boasting the highest price for a season ticket in the Prem.  The cheapest season ticket on offer this campaign in £891, working out at £46.89 per game, while 'Category A' matches are worth £97 - the most expensive ticket in the league.  One supporter tweeted: "Most expensive tickets in world football, but can’t afford to buy anybody. Should give fans reduced price on admission for what we have to endure. ~~#~~ KroenkeOut."  While another said: "Kroenke better unfreeze his wallet."  Another commented: "Need to be lowering them."  One quipped: "Didn't fancy reducing them even though we're getting worse?"  While another simply stated: "Big whoop. You should lower them instead."  West Ham 1-0 Arsenal: Declan Rice scores the winner as Gunners lose ahead of big Chelsea clash


thesun--2019-02-19--Bayern fans protest sky-high ticket prices during Liverpool clash at Anfield

BAYERN MUNICH fans protested their sky-high ticket prices during their clash with Liverpool at Anfield tonight.  Reds supporters joined in the protest after the Bundesliga club faithful unfurled a banner hitting out at ticket costs [during the 0-0 draw.](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/8464520/tie-knife-edge-misfiring-reds- miss-chance-steal-advantage/)  ![ Bayern Munich fans protested tickets prices at Anfield tonight]()  Reuters  Bayern Munich fans protested tickets prices at Anfield tonight  Away fans spread signs across one the Anfield Road End and observed a minute of raucous applause around the 50-minute mark.  One banner read: "Away ticket: LFC £48. FCB €55. The greed knows no limits.  "Twenty is plenty."  This is not the first time [Liverpool](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196659/liverpool/) fans - huge supporters of the Twenty's Plenty campaign - led by Virgin Media and the Football Supporter’s Federation.  ![ Liverpool fans applauded the protest from Bayern Munich fans tonight]()  Getty  Liverpool fans applauded the protest from Bayern Munich fans tonight  In 2016, Reds fans left the ground in the 77th minute of the game against Sunderland over rising costs.  In the same year, the Premier League announced away tickets were to be capped at just £30 after a series of protests.  However, for the two legs of the Champions League tie between Liverpool and [Bayern](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1249869/bayern-munich/), both sides had to pay around the £50-mark for their road trip.  And if tonight is anything to go by, both sets of fans are on the same page...  Dejan Lovren concerned as Liverpool stars stuck in lift before Bayern Munich Champions League clash


thesun--2019-03-19--Spurs fans fear ticket prices at new stadium will be too expensive after sharp increase

Spurs fans fear ticket prices at new stadium will be too expensive after ‘sharp increase’

TOTTENHAM fan chiefs fear supporters could be priced out of matches at their new £850MILLION stadium.  Spurs announced a freeze on the cost of all season tickets at the 62,062-seater arena which is [due to open against Crystal Palace on April 3](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/8657458/tottenham-first-game-new-stadium- crystal-palace-april-3/).  ![ Tottenham fans could be priced out of matches at their new stadium after a massive increase in ticket prices]()  Alamy Live News  Tottenham fans could be priced out of matches at their new stadium after a massive increase in ticket prices  But most tickets are at least £10 more expensive than they were to watch [Spurs](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196652/tottenham- hotspur/) play at Wembley, with the highest-priced  seats for Category A games pitched at £98.  Meanwhile, Category B and C are 30 to 50 per cent more expensive than they were at the old White Hart Lane.  Mauricio Pochettino’s side are set to play their final five home League matches of the season there and the Champions League quarter-final first-leg against Man City.  For Category A matches tickets at the new stadium start from £52, while B spans from £43 to £95 and C £30 to £80.  A Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust said in a statement: “Our main concern is increases in Category B and C pricing will make access to those games very difficult once the novelty of the new stadium has worn off.  "The club argue prices are not comparable, but fans’ pay packets are comparable, and this is a sharp increase in a little over two seasons."  Meanwhile, Arsenal fans raged after it emerged [Tottenham want to "copy" their bitter rivals and rename White Hart Lane train station](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8660897/arsenal-fans-station- spurs-renamed-tottenham-hotspur/).  The Gunners remain the only side to have a station named after a football club as they managed to get Gillespie Road tube station renamed Arsenal in 1932.  And Spurs fans have been dealt a blow as they learnt the opening game at their new stadium will not be shown live on Sky Sports.  The TV broadcaster decided that [Manchester City's clash against Cardiff will be televised on April 3 instead](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8674544/spurs-palace-first- game-stadium-not-on-tv/).  ![ Tickets in certain blocks will be up to 50 per cent more expensive than they were at the old White Hart Lane]()  Rex Features  Tickets in certain blocks will be up to 50 per cent more expensive than they were at the old White Hart Lane  Tottenham’s first game at new stadium against Palace not on TV as Sky opt to show Man City vs Cardiff instead


thesun--2019-03-30--Fans protest before Man City clash with Fulham over soaring Prem ticket prices

FULHAM fans protested the cost of tickets before Saturday's game against Manchester City.  Cottagers followers flocked to support the protest planned by fan podcast Fulhamish over the astronomical costs.  ![ Fulham fans protested the cost of their tickets before the game with Man City]()  Reuters  Fulham fans protested the cost of their tickets before the game with Man City  The Premier League strugglers are the third-most expensive club to watch in terms of how much the cheapest seats are, behind only Chelsea and [Man City](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1196654/manchester-city/).  [Fulham](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/team/1225801/fulham/) fans had originally planned to bring their "#StopTheGreed" banners into Craven Cottage for a protest in the 55th minute.  However, their plans were scuppered after they were told any banners would be taken away from them on entry to the stadium.  Instead, the angry supporters lined up outside the Cottage Gate - where players arrive on match-day - to show off their banners and hand out leaflets.  ## OWN GOAL  The cheapest tickets at Craven Cottage cost £45 - for "behind the goal" tickets at the Hammersmith End.  However, even then those seats go for £60 on big game days - including today's game against City.  Earlier this season Fulham had their own say on the cost of a matchday ticket - calling them "balanced".  A statement read: "There are various categories for match ticket prices in 2018-19 and these are balanced against other fixtures at Craven Cottage.  "Ticket classifications during the Premier League campaign include a ‘family fixture’ category, such as the match against Burnley earlier in the season, where adult prices ranged from £25 to £45.”  But fans were left unimpressed by that statement - particularly given the club's stature this season.  Going into Saturday's game against City, Fulham were sat just three points off last-placed Huddersfield on just 17 points from their 31 games.  ![ Angry supporters handed out leaflets as well as showing off banners]()  PA:Empics Sport  Angry supporters handed out leaflets as well as showing off banners  It’s match week 32 of the Premier League as Liverpool welcome Tottenham and Fulham take on Manchester City


thesun--2019-06-19--Brazil booed off after drab 0-0 draw with Venezuela in front of thousands of empty seats as soaring

Brazil booed off after drab 0-0 draw with Venezuela in front of thousands of empty seats as soaring ticket prices keeps fans away

THOUSANDS of seats were left empty but the boos were still audible as Brazil failed to overcome Venezuela.  It was the second time the Brazilian fans have made their feelings clear at the [Copa America](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/9310565/copa-america-empty- seats-brazil-ticket-prices/) with expectations high as the home nation.  ![ Thousands of seats were left empty at Brazil's game against Venezuela]()  11  Thousands of seats were left empty at Brazil's game against VenezuelaCredit: AFP or licensors  Despite not having their superstar [Neymar](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/9324552/barcelona-close-to- signing-neymar-in-deal-worth-89m-plus-umtiti-dembele-and-rakitic/) available for action through injury, Brazil are expected to be victorious on home turf.  Against Venezuela, VAR ruled out two goals for the hosts which sparked a chorus of boos.  But even more embarrassing than the football for the hosts is the number of empty seats at this year's tournament.  Sky-high ticket prices have forced fans away with a mass of empty seats at each game, including Brazil's goalless draw with Venezuela on Tuesday.  ## PRICED OUT  More than 46,000 fans paid an average of £100 per ticket at Brazil's opener against Bolivia is Sao Paulo on Saturday.  But at least 22,000 seats were empty at the Morumbi Stadium for a match that organisers initially said was a sellout.  The Selecao were also booed off at half-time by their own fans after failing to break the deadlock, before finishing as 3-0 winners.  Sunday's 2-2 draw between Qatar and Paraguay saw 20,000 fans at the 87,000-seater Maracana.  The two matches other played on Saturday also brought disappointing attendances.  Only 11,000 were at Porto Alegre's 60,000-seater Arena do Gremio to watch the 0-0 draw between Peru and Venezuela.  ![ Unimpressed fans watched on as Brazil failed to overcome Venezuela]()  11  Unimpressed fans watched on as Brazil failed to overcome VenezuelaCredit: AFP or licensors  ![ Soaring ticket prices have seen thousands of seats left empty at the Copa America]()  11  Soaring ticket prices have seen thousands of seats left empty at the Copa AmericaCredit: AFP or licensors  ![ Brazil's fans have booed the team at both games so far]()  11  Brazil's fans have booed the team at both games so farCredit: AFP or licensors  ![ The drab goalless draw left home supporters unimpressed]()  11  The drab goalless draw left home supporters unimpressedCredit: AFP or licensors  ![ Frustrated fans watched on as Brazil fell to a draw against Venezuela]()  11  Frustrated fans watched on as Brazil fell to a draw against VenezuelaCredit: AFP or licensors  ![ Organisers have claimed sellouts at the Copa America but stadiums have been barely full]()  11  Organisers have claimed sellouts at the Copa America but stadiums have been barely fullCredit: AP:Associated Press  Argentina's game against Colombia was described as a sell-out by organisers but only 35,000 fans were in the 50,000-seater Fonte Nova to watch Lionel Messi's team lose.  CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez said Sunday he believes the attendances will improve as the tournament advances.  But he admits to being worried by how things have started.  He said: "It worries us, of course it worries us. I think it will improve."  ![ Dani Alves looks on frustrated as Brazil fall to a draw]()  11  Dani Alves looks on frustrated as Brazil fall to a drawCredit: Getty - Contributor  ![ Brazil had two goals ruled out by VAR in their second Copa America game]()  11  Brazil had two goals ruled out by VAR in their second Copa America gameCredit: AP:Associated Press  ![ Venezuelan players consoled the Brazilians after a disappointing performance]()  11  Venezuelan players consoled the Brazilians after a disappointing performanceCredit: AP:Associated Press  ![ Man City striker Gabriel Jesus angered by a decision midway through the game]()  11  Man City striker Gabriel Jesus angered by a decision midway through the gameCredit: Reuters  Copa America 2019 squads announced - Brazil leave out Fabinho and Moura but include Richarlison - Argentina drop Mauro Icardi yet again


themanchestereveningnews--2019-07-01--Man City squad 201920 Fantasy Premier League prices revealed

Man City squad 2019/20 Fantasy Premier League prices revealed

The 2018/19 season saw Man City win the Premier League for the second year in succession, overcoming an exceptional Liverpool side, in what was an awesome campaign from Pep Guardiola's team.  However, in the Fantasy Premier League, a Liverpool player was on top of the player rankings, as the nearest City player was third.  Mohamed Salah finished as the highest scoring FPL player last season, scoring 259 points, ahead of Eden Hazard (238), Raheem Sterling (234) and Sadio Mane (231).  Ahead of the new 2019/20 FPL season, the full Man City squad prices have now been revealed.  So, how much will the City players cost?  Here are the prices for the full Man City squad in the 2019/20 Fantasy Premier League season.  Need a refresh on the FPL squad selection rules?  Every FPL squad should include 15 players, including two goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders and three forwards, with the total value of your squad worth no more than £100 million.  You can also only select three players from any single Premier League team.  You can now pick your 2019/20 FPL squad here - on the Official Fantasy Premier League website.  Get all the latest FIFA, Football Manager and other gaming news here.


thesun--2019-07-04--Premier League fantasy football 11 player prices revealed ahead of 201920 season

Premier League fantasy football: 11 player prices revealed ahead of 2019/20 season

We’re getting hyped for the start of the new Premier League season and all the fantasy football fun that goes along with it.  But while the Dream Team game is still a week away, we can tell you the prices of some of the game’s best players, including Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah and Man United new boy Aaron Wan-Bissaka.  Man United forked out £45million to buy their new right-back from Crystal Palace last month, but the youngster with the cool name will only set you back £3.5m on Dream Team.  AWB started last season as one of our game’s surprise packages, with a string of fine performances early on making him a firm fantasy football favourite.  Will it be the same story this season?  France midfielder Ndombele moved from Lyon to North London for a club record £65m fee, but he can be yours for just £3.om.  His performances in Ligue 1 last season were certainly eye-catching, and a host of clubs were linked to his signature before Spurs splashed the cash.  While we’re still unsure exactly what sort of role he’d play in Mauricio Pochettino’s side and how effective he’ll be for fantasy football, his recent performances for France and his run out for Lyon in their Champions League campaign last season have got us pretty hyped up.  Introducing the most expensive player on Dream Team this season… it’s Aguero, of course.  Man City’s striker is a lean, mean goalscoring machine, netting 21 times last term and racking up 286 points to make him one of the best players on the game.  He’s also madly consistent, netting at least 20 goals in each of his last five Prem seasons.  He’s definitely one to have, that’s for sure.  Introducing our JOINT most expensive player on this season’s Dream Team, the Egyptian King himself.  Mo’s second season with Liverpool wasn’t quite as impressive as his first, but he still finished last season with a stunning 291 points – putting him third overall on the final rankings.  Putting Salah in your team straight away might be a little risky considering his place in this year’s AFCON, but he might enjoy himself against the Norwich, Chelsea (UEFA Suoer Cup), Southampton and Arsenal in the Reds opening games.  Is Robertson the best left-back in the world right now?  Fantasy football fans will certainly say so, as the Scotsman finished the last campaign as one of our game’s best defenders.  His run to the Champions League final certainly helped, as did his outstanding tally of 11 assists in the league.  Jimenez was undoubtedly one of the best bargain forwards money could buy last time out, as the little Mexican scored 13 goals in the Premier League to see him rub shoulders with English football’s other great goalscorers.  As a result, his price is a little more steep this season.  There’s yet to be any new signings at Arsenal so far this summer, so they may have to reply on the talent they’ve already got to get the results this year.  With the ever-improving Lacazette up front, their certainly in good hands, especially with all the rumours surrounding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future at the club.  Spurs’ main man had a frustrating 2018/19 campaign, as two fairly-lengthy injuries dislodged his goalscoring form.  But having enjoyed a prolonged rest over the summer, we’re fully expecting the striker to start the new season with a bang.  If you’re looking for consistency, then Sterling’s your man.  Man City’s winger finished up just behind Eden Hazard in our ranking last season with a stunning 312 points, averaging 6.1 points per a game.  His performance in the FA Cup final – where he a brilliant hat-trick – was perhaps his best of the lot and saw take home 30 Dream Team points in the game’s final Game Week.  Brand new signings are always a mystery.  Will Pulisic hit the ground running at Chelsea, or will he prove to be a pricey burden at Stamford Bridge?  With Hazard gone, Callum Hudson-Odoi out injured until next year, and the likes of Pedro and Willian less-than-impressive last term, the USA starlet could find himself thrown straight into the Blues’ starting line-up, and regular game-time is always a good benchmark for a player on Dream Team.  That’s the big question going into the new season.  But while Alisson has notched clean-sheet after clean-sheet for Brazil at the Copa America, Ederson has been forced to watch it all unfold from the bench.  Not that he should care too much, as he’s still one of the best goalies in the world right now and proved to be a Dream Team favourite last term, with well over 25% of managers picking him for their team.  We’re all ready for the new Dream Team season.  Nothing has been confirmed yet, but we imagine the game will open in the second week of July.  And then it all kicks-off on August 9th, with Liverpool hosting newly-promoted Norwich at Anfield.  As always, Dream Team will be completely free to play and there’ll be a tasty jackpot up for grabs if you finish inside the top 10 at the end of the season.


thesun--2019-07-21--Premier League Fantasy Football When does 201920 game start funny team names player prices scou

Premier League Fantasy Football: When does 2019/20 game start, funny team names, player prices, scout tips and Draft

We have lift off fantasy football fans.  With just weeks to go until the start of the Premier League season we really are counting down the days.  The new Dream Team game is officially there for the taking – you can sign up here – so here’s what we know about it…  The new Premier League fixtures were announced on June 13th, with the first game of the new season between Liverpool and Norwich kicking off on Friday, August 9th.  And Dream Team is now officially live, meaning you can sign up and start picking your teams already. Sign up to play here.  It’s completely free to play as ever and there’ll be a hefty jackpot up for grabs if you finish inside the top 10 at the end of the season.  Dream Team is the only place where you can play not one, not two, but THREE different fantasy football formats in 2019/20.  As well as the traditional Season game and the hugely popular short-form iteration Weekender, Dream Team is launching its hotly-anticipated Draft game next season too.  Draft is the most exciting way to play fantasy football, testing your managerial nous and eye for a gap in the market to the max.  Read this article to find out more…  The traditional Season game gives you a £50m budget, three transfers a month with no limit to the number of players from any one club.  You can pick between three different formations; 4-4-2, 4-3-3 and the hugely popular 3-4-3.  Players get points for scoring, assisting, getting a 7+ match rating and winning Star Man.  Goalkeepers and defenders can earn extra points for keeping clean sheets and, in the former’s case, saving penalties.  Players lose points for yellow cards, red cards, missed penalties and conceding LOTS of goals.  Well last season it was all about one man – Eden Hazard.  Hazard finished on 340 points, a full 50 ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in second, but his Real Madrid move means we are now deprived of his majesty.  Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero are always prolific whilst Virgil van Dijk and Aymeric Laporte are must-haves at the back.  The likes of Matt Doherty and Lucas Digne have also had brilliant seasons from the rest of the pack.  The Dream Team Coach’s precious advice is available both online, via the Dream Team app and via a weekly newsletter.  He is the best scout around when it comes to helping you with the nitty gritty decisions that can make such a big difference.  Last week we teased just a handful of the player prices for this season’s Dream Team game over on our Twitter.  And in the process we revealed who the most expensive player is – or should we say PLAYERS ARE – this season.  After much deliberating and number crunching, Mo Salah and Sergio Aguero lead the way on £7.5m at the top of the charts.  Behind them is Harry Kane on £7m, which could prove a bargain if the Spurs man can stay fit…  The rest of the player prices have officially been finalised ahead of game launch. Find them here.  So which potential bargains have really caught our eye?  Well Chelsea new boy Christian Pulisic, tasked with filling the Eden-Hazard shaped hole, is just £3m in his debut Premier League season.  And what a fall from grace Alexis Sanchez has had, priced at just £2m now.  But after a promising Copa America campaign with Chile, could he prove a rabbit in the hat if he can rediscover his form?  Every year choosing your team name seems to become a bigger and bigger deal.  Whether you’re more 50 Shades O’Shea than Pjanic at the Disco you should find this extensive list both useful and entertaining.  As we mentioned, we’ve launched a Draft game this season and to say we’re excited would be an understatement.  Draft pits you in a league against other managers as you try to build a 15-man squad to takes you to the top.  But the key difference is if you own a player, nobody else in your league can have them.  That’s right, if you have Mohamed Salah in your team, then that means Steve from HR doesn’t.  Game weeks work on a head-to-head basis which means leagues must consist of an even number to work.  For more details check out this explainer article.  Don’t sleep on the promoted clubs this season.  Aston Villa, Norwich and Sheffield United all have the armoury to stay up this campaign – and certain individuals will be crucial to their hopes.  Jack Grealish (£2.5m) has attracted a lot of attention from bigger clubs whilst Norwich right-back Max Aarons (£2m) is destined for big things.  Check out the rest of the promoted players you should consider here.  Dream Team is across all platforms, whether you’re a desktop or app person.  Simply sign up to play by clicking here or you can download the Dream Team app from the App Store.


theindependent--2019-01-04--11 best women's ski and snowboard jackets

Winter is coming – and if you’re planning on heading to cold climes for a snowsports holiday, a jacket designed specifically for skiing and snowboarding is a must. Our 11 jackets are the very best on sale for staying warm, dry and stylish on and off the slopes and suitable for all budgets and abilities.  A good ski jacket is designed to be worn paired with ski pants and should be warm, waterproof and comfortable to wear all day. There’s no avoiding it – ski jackets are expensive. But they’ll last you years of ski trips or a few seasons of working in the mountains, so it’s worth splashing some cash on a decent one – we recommend spending around the $150 mark. Pick a jacket you’d also be happy to wear for cold weather walks and in the city at home to make it worth the spend.  If you’re off to a dry slope or your first ski trip you can get away with a simple, basic ski jacket. Keen ski tourers and backcountry boarders should pick a reliably waterproof and warm technical jacket. Ski wear has become a bit of a fashion statement in recent years, but whatever style you go for, we’d recommend looking for a model that includes a few key features.  You can trust Patagonia to deliver outdoor-ready outer layers, and the winter-specific insulated Powder Bowl is ready for its namesake off-piste adventures. It marries a simple, smart design with excellent quality materials, good pockets and a nice hip-skimming length. It also features the best high neck and hood combination we tested, keeping your face warm and protected in the worst weather. The silky quilted lining is super comfortable and the Powder Bowl is made of 100% recycled GORE-TEX fabric to boot. One to invest in for years of skiing to come.  This jacket means business. The big spender on our list is packed with technical prowess and is worth the splurge if you take skiing seriously. If you’re a casual skier, you can go for something cheaper and simpler, but ski tourers and mountaineers will love its total weather protection from a GORE-TEX membrane, its comfortable longer cut, powder skirt and excellent hood. Go a size up if you want to wear thicker layers underneath. One for all weather.  A great all-rounder with a fun, irreverent look. We love the Apply’s denim-style material and soft fleecy collar, which looks good enough to double-up as your winter coat. It’s not just a style statement, though – the Apply features a longer length for more protection, a snow skirt, lift pass pocket, thumb holes and a well-cut hood. The jacket is water repellent and scores extra points for being made of fully organic and 64 percent recycled materials.  The handsome, quilted Silvares from Protest feels a bit like wearing a down or bomber jacket, and its lighter, shorter design works well for fall and spring skiing, but is still warm and waterproof to 10,000mm in bitter winter. The thick insulated hood is detachable and the jacket includes good inner pockets, thumb holes and a lift pass pocket. Versatile and smart - and we love the polar bear patterned lining.  One of our favorite jackets on review, there’s nothing not to love about Burton’s Eyris. It’s seriously comfortable to wear, with a longer cut and a well-fitting hood, snow skirt, fleecy lined pockets and a soft, quilted inner liner. That dusky pink outer material is 40 percent recycled and packs a technical punch with GORE-TEX waterproofing. We found it reliable in a storm and good-looking enough to wear anywhere.  If you don’t want the hassle of buying a separate jacket and salopettes, you feel the cold on the snow, or you just have a tendency to fall over a lot, a warm and cosy ski suit could be your perfect sporting partner. Our favourite is the Oneskee, which definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously - ‘off-piste in winter, piste-off in summer’ is emblazoned on the cuffs. The new female-specific design features a great hood, wide, comfortable salopette legs and (our favourite bit) a butt zipper.  O’Neill’s Coral is a slim-fitting, thoughtfully designed jacket that nods to this season’s retro trend. Beneath its bold stripes, it’s waterproof to 10,000mm, insulated in all the right places to keep you cosy and features all the extras you need, including snow skirt, goggle pocket and wrist gaiters. We like the soft, faux fur-lined hood, which is comforting when the temperature plummets. A good hard-working option if you’re working in the mountains this winter.  On a budget? This season’s offering from Wed’Ze is our top pick. Decathlon’s ski gear is surprisingly high quality for the bargainous prices (beginners can completely kit themselves out for under $150) and the All Mountain, their all-rounder jacket for women, ticks our boxes. It’s waterproof to 8,000mm, has decent pockets and good stretch, and is warm enough to deal with your average week skiing in the Alps. Smart looks and colorways, too.  Currently on sale for $124.99, down from $249.99, this offering from Mountain Warehouse is an excellent bargain for those who act fast. It looks and feels deceptively simple (and would also work as a hiking jacket in winter conditions), but is waterproof to 10,000mm, comes with all the ski bells and whistles you need and is one of the more breathable jackets we tested, making it work for warmer spring days. It also features RECCO® Reflectors, which bounce back location information in case of an avalanche, a must if you’re heading off-piste.  Dare2b’s ski jackets are perhaps not the most fashion forward on the market (although we hear whispers of a collaboration with Julien Macdonald for this winter), but if you like classic looks and good performance, they’re a great choice and are built to last. The Contrive is slim cut and smart, with an easily adjustable, foldaway hood, a whopping 20,000mm of waterproofing, good zips and a snow skirt.  Possibly our favorite jacket on review for appearance alone, we like the ease of this smart parka-style anorak in unisex khaki, which stays true to Nikita’s streetwear creds. They promise it’s like chucking on a hoody and it’s definitely easy to get into, due to a side zipper, and comfortable once on. The Hemlock includes a lift pass pocket, waterproofing to 10,000mm and a soft brushed lining with a bright pop of pattern.  The Verdict: Best women's ski and snowboard jackets  The Patagonia Powder Bowl is worth the spend for excellent warmth and waterproofing wherever you roam in the mountains. O’Neill’s Coral is a great mid-priced jacket, and Nikita’s Hemlock wins in the style stakes.  IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.


theindependent--2019-05-31--8 best men's ski and snowboard pants

8 best men's ski and snowboard pants

What makes a great pair of snow pants for a skier or snowboarder? The most important function is waterproofing, as when you sit or fall in the snow the last thing you want is to be wet, cold and miserable for the rest of the day. Snowboarders often sit down to strap their boards on, so top waterproofing is especially important for them.  Alongside waterproofing you also need warmth as you’ll be spending your day in cold temperatures, not forgetting the potential wind chill, so insulation is key. Some of the pants in this test are shells with lighter insulation that would need to be paired with a base layer on a cold day, but they are great alone in milder temperatures.  The stretch and flexibility in the fabric of your snow trousers is also important. We’ve reviewed a range of shapes from slim to relaxed to baggy, and have also included two bib pants, which are increasingly popular.  Inspired by the workwear aesthetic, many of the hipper snow brands have produced a bib snowboard pant this winter. Our favourite version of these is Burton’s Reserve pant as it looks good on and has great stretch but it’s also reliably waterproof. It’s a shell pant, so it will keep bad weather and brutal winds out, but it’s not insulated so on super-cold days you might want to wear a base layer underneath, though the top half of the bib will make you extra warm on top. Available in sizes XS-XXL; sold in a range of colors including black, forest green and kelp.  The Snow Freak from Columbia is a really good value snow pant that will keep you warm and dry this winter. The insulated lining, which looks a bit space age, is designed to reflect your body heat back to keep you extra toasty, but there are also leg vents in case you get too hot. The fit is traditional and tailored and the waist is adjustable, so you can loosen things off after a hearty mountain lunch if you need. The extra fabric protection around the ankles is useful for limiting ski boot damage. Available in sizes S-XXL; also sold in black, blue and orange.  If you like your snow pants tight and jean-like, these ski and snowboard pants from French brand Picture Organic would be a good choice. They look stylish on but also have good waterproofing, breathability and stretch. We like that they’re made from a mix of recycled polyester and we also like the I-Fit system, which means you can pull them up at the end of the day, so the bottoms don’t drag on the streets of the ski resort. Available in sizes S-XL; also sold in a range of colors including black, brick red, petrol blue, yellow, beige and dark blue.  The DC Platoon Shell bib pants were some of the most waterproof on test, so a good choice for snowboarders who want to be able to sit in the snow and put their boards on but don’t want to spend the day with a soggy backside. The crotch was low too, allowing a good range of movement which is not always the case with bib pants, and you could tighten the waist to your fit preference. They are a shell pant, rather than insulated so you might want an extra layer on very cold days. We liked the zip-up hand-warmer pockets. Available in sizes XS-XXL; also sold in light camo.  The Hybrid Friday Night from O’Neill are a slim-fit snow pant with a good quality feel for the price. They felt comfy on and we liked the felt cargo pockets and the fact the vent zips are hidden from view around the back, to keep you cool without compromising on the style or shape of the pant. The waterproofing was decent though you could feel the wind chill more than on some of the other pants on test. Available in sizes XS-XXL; also sold in black, denim and brown.  The most expensive ski pants on test but also one of the most waterproof and breathable with an impressive amount of stretch especially around the hips and knees. We liked the bright color and built-in belt around the high waist, while the fit is flattering and relaxed rather than over-tight or baggy. They were nice and warm to wear with extra insulation around the lower back. Available in sizes 46-56; also sold in black and orange.  The Powder Bowl pants from Patagonia are made entirely from recycled fabric, but they felt hard-wearing enough to last for several seasons. The fit is sporty and tailored but not too tight and the waistband is high to keep snow from riding up your back. They are one of the more expensive brands on test, but we found their weatherproofing very good and they scored high for flexibility and comfort, thanks to articulated panels in the knees. They also have scuff guards at the ankles to prevent ski boots tearing the fabric. Available in sizes XS-XL; also sold in black, grey, light and dark green.  The Seventy Fives from Volcom have the most relaxed and casual fit of all the snow pants on test; we also like the pocket detailing and design. They are really comfy on and allow a good range of movement, which is great for snowboarders and skiers who want to hit the snow park or pull tricks on the side of the mountain. They are warm and waterproof and felt durable, especially for the great value price. Available in sizes XS-L; also sold in black.  If you’re looking for a reliably technical snow pant with good style we’d recommend the Burton Reserve Bib Pants.  IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing.


thetelegraph--2019-01-09--This seasons best ski and snowboard kit everything you need to know

This season's best ski and snowboard kit: everything you need to know

Having the right kit can make or break a ski holiday, but with so much choice on the high street, it’s hard to know where to begin.  With the ski season in full swing now’s the perfect time to make sure you have everything sorted before your next trip to the mountains.  Heads, shoulders, knees and toes… or so the song goes. It’s a good way to make sure you’ve got everything you’ll need on the slopes.  Whether it’s a pair of socks with extra cushioning or gloves that have the perfect balance of warmth, waterproofing and dexterity, layers to keep you warm or a new jacket to last you the distance, our in-depth reviews of all this season’s best kit will help narrow down your search.  Make sure you don’t lose out on the style stakes either with our pick of the 14 best outfits to wear on the slopes this season, with choices for everyone from the tech-savvy to those looking to add a spot of luxury to their winter wardrobe.  Since they're now lighter, slimline and more comfortable to wear than ever, there's really no excuse for not wearing a helmet on the slopes – and for many winter sport insurance policies it’s now compulsory. Be prepared with the best new models to suit all budgets.  Goggles are another essential, and new technologies are introduced every season, such as minimal frames and light-responsive lenses, so there’s a lot to choose from. Our reviews can recommend the right pair for you.  Some skiers and snowboarders choose to ride with a backpack. Whether you’re carrying off-piste safety equipment or just a spare base layer and a packed lunch, it’s worth asking if you might need one on the slopes.  The Telegraph Ski & Snowboard ski test, which takes place every winter, puts over 300 of the newest models through their paces in order to find the best skis for men and women.  Consult our guide to find out everything you need to know before buying new skis, including guides to each type of ski and advice on what level of skier you might be, plus a handy jargon buster.  For those of you who prefer one plank instead of two, the results from our annual snowboard review will help – whether you spend your time roaming the mountain or head straight to the terrain park, our expert has checked out all the latest models so you don’t have to.  Investing in a pair of boots that fit right and suit your ability is essential to a hassle-free ski or snowboard holiday. There are many factors to consider when shopping around, such as how experienced you are, whether you prefer park, powder or piste, your weight and your goals – an expert fitter can help you assess all this and measure your foot shape and size.  Our round-ups of the best ski boots for men and women showcase the best new models for this winter, and our useful buying guide will answer all the questions you might have before you invest.  For snowboarders, the same applies – check out our buying FAQs, then our expert reviews of the latest boots, whether you’re a hard-charging expert or an up-and-coming freestyler, these make a great starting point before you start shopping.  Every season a whole host of new gadgets and gizmos are launched to help tech-savvy skiers and snowboarders stay one turn ahead on the slopes. Whether it’s the latest action cameras, wearables or apps for your smartphone, check out all the high-tech kit you’ll want to own this season here.  Learning the lingo before you embark on your winter sports shopping bonanza can help you make sure you find the perfect fit and also speed up the process.  To help you understand all the techy terms used in reviews when you're looking for new kit, our buying guides for jackets, helmets, goggles, gloves, ski boots, snowboard boots, skis and snowboards are here to act as your handy shopping companions.


thetelegraph--2019-01-17--This seasons best snowboards

This season's best snowboards

Whether you love tearing around all over the mountain on or off piste, you’re a powder-seeking freerider or a freestyler who loves sessioning the terrain park, there are snowboards to suit all budgets and levels.  Our reviews of this season’s best and most innovative new snowboards will inspire you to try a new ride for your next trip to the mountains.  Need more advice on types of snowboard or insider snowboard lingo before deciding? Find all the info you need in our buying guide.  Aggressive all-mountain freestylers will love the Deep Thinker. Its directional shape and rockered nose provide plenty of float, while the tapered profile (narrower towards the tail) makes turns fast and fluid. A cambered profile and stiffer flex combine with the stiffer tail to give a very precise, snappy and responsive feel with powerful ollies, meaning it’s as happy on the piste and in the park as it is in powder. The high-grade base gives enough glide to keep ahead of the crowds.   Lengths: 154, 157, 160, 157W, 160W, 163W   + Grip, Response, Pop, Glide, Powder   - Forgiveness, Jibbing/Park   burton.com  A rockered nose and slightly tapered tail give this bags of float, while a largely positive camber profile blends with a medium stiff flex to give an aggressive, snappy ride. While not at it’s best in the terrain park, it well suits more aggressive freestyle riders with a thirst for powder. Bamboo rods in the core ensure there’s plenty of ollie power on tap.   Lengths: 151, 154, 157, 160   + None   - Jibbing/Park   capitasnowboarding.com  Despite its pointy tip and blunt tail, this is actually a directional twin. A medium-soft flex with rocker towards tip and tail give it a friendly, hook-free feel that’s perfect for hitting the park, while camber underfoot adds the pop, grip and response needed for charging out on the mountain. The result is an easy riding all-terrain board that can go anywhere.   Lengths: 150, 154, 158   + Jibbing/Park, Forgiveness, Pop   - Glide   dinosaurswilldie.com  Featuring graphics by UK artist Schoph, the Terrain Wrecker is an all-mountain freestyle stick designed to be ridden hard. A directional twin with a medium stiff flex, it has wavy, breadknife-like edges for grip that can be depended on. Extra length in the nose gives great float in powder, but thanks to a low swing weight, spins still feel easy. Its profile features camber towards tip and tail for a powerful and precise ride, with a rocker mid section that keeps things fun and friendly for when just cruising.   Lengths: 151, 154, 157, 160, 161W   + Grip, Pop, Powder, Precision, Jibbing/Park   - Durability   lib-tech.com  With its extremely tapered shape and huge surface area, the Big Gun gives next level stability and float in powder. The sidecut combines circles with straight lines, which focuses pressure on crucial edge sections for improved response and control, making the board feel nimble and manoeuvrable at all speeds. Its profile is rockered, with cambered sections under the feet for grip and power, making it possible to really dig into those high-speed carves with full confidence.   Lengths: 165, 169, 174   + Precision, Grip, Powder, Pop, Stability   - Jibbing/Park, Forgiveness   neversummer.com  The Warpig features a tapered directional rocker shape with cut off tip and tail. This results in the manouevrability of a shorter board with the stability and float of a longer one, making it a truly versatile all-terrain freestyle machine. Extra-thick steel edges reduce the likelihood of any cracks, while the slightly squishy, urethane sidewalls absorb vibrations, making it feel smooth and chatter-free at speed.   Lengths: 142, 148, 151, 154, 158   + Jibbing/Park, Durability, Pop, Powder, Forgiveness   - Precision   ridesnowboards.com  A medium-stiff flexing twin, the Reverb Rocker combines the buttery, skate-like feel of rocker with the response and surefooted grip of camber. This is thanks to a sidecut design that’s friendly and loose at low speeds, but grippy and responsive when ridden hard. A single bamboo strip running the length of the core provides masses of pop, delivering powerful ollies without adding unwanted torsional stiffness. All this adds up to a fantastic park board that’s surprisingly versatile.   Lengths: 148, 151, 154, 157, 160, 155W, 158W, 161W   + Jibbing/Park, Pop, Response, Grip, Forgiveness   - Durability   romesnowboards.com  The Huck Knife offers a playful, buttery ride for riders of all abilities. A twin-tip with a blunt, low-profile shape, it has an unusually low swing weight, meaning it’s very easy to throw around - spins, jibs and butters feel easy. The sidecut combines straight and curved sections, giving solid edge grip without unwanted stiffness, while the profile blends responsive camber underfoot with catch-free rocker at tip and tail for maximum fun and great float in powder. It’s a natural in the park, but it can really hold its own out on the mountain proper too.   Lengths:148, 152, 155, 158, 155W, 158W   + Jibbing/Park, Grip, Friendliness, Powder   - Durability   salomon.com  The Tom Sims Pro is perfect for experienced freeriders looking to really push themselves. Its short, blunt tail and elongated nose give effortless float in deep snow, while the traditional positive camber and stiff flex are perfect for laying down high-speed turns on hardpack. X-shaped carbon strips at tip and tail turn the response up to 10, resulting in incredible transfer of energy in and out of turns, while the premium grade sintered base absolutely flies. It’s responsive, powerful, stable and extremely quick from edge to edge.   Lengths: 155, 158, 161, 159W, 162W   + Powder, Grip, Precision, Glide, Pop, Stability   - Jibbing/Park, Forgiveness   simsnow.com  New from Bataleon, the Storm is a medium-flexing freeride board designed to tackle the steep and deep. Cambered and directional, it has a long nose, set-back stance and tapered tail, which provide fluid turns and exceptional float in powder. The base is spoon-shaped across the bottom, which lifts the edges up slightly from the snow. This allows for quick edging and hook-free turns without hampering grip. Carbon strips in the tip and tail increase response and give a bit of extra lift to ollies.   Lengths: 144, 148, 152, 156   + Powder, Response, Precision, Pop, Grip, Stability   - Jibbing/Park, Forgiveness   bataleon.com  Snappy, responsive and surprisingly versatile, the Ply offers a forgiving, skate-like feel. With a twin-like shape and cambered profile, it has flat sections outside the feet for improved stability and control. Elongated contact points at tip and tail increase stability and float in powder, while a three-degree edge bevel reduces edge catching for added confidence in the park, rails and on harder snow.   Lengths: 147, 150, 153, 156, 159, 154W, 157W, 161W   + Jibbing/Park, Forgiveness, Pop, Stability, Powder   - Precision, Glide   dcshoes-uk.co.uk  Sporting an eco-friendly construction, the Ladies Choice is perfect for women looking for a responsive and playful all-terrain board. Its profile is asymmetric, with a deeper sidecut on the heel edge to correct the naturally weaker heel edge turn. This improves grip and response on the heel edge, making for a comfortable and confidence-inspiring ride. The wavy, breadknife-like sidecut gives extra-solid grip even on hard, icy snow, while the profile – cambered underfoot with rocker towards tip and tail – neatly blends the loose, floaty feel of rocker with the pop and response of positive camber.   Lengths: 142.5, 145.5, 148.5, 151.5, 153.5   + Response, Grip, Pop, Powder   - Durability   gnu.com  Stiff and responsive, the Flagship has a cambered profile with rocker at the tip and tail. Along with its directional shape and blunt nose profile, this gives impressive stability and float in powder. A slightly spoon-shaped nose and tail make turn initiation fast, effortless and catch-free, while the edges are slightly wavy like a breadknife, adding masses of extra grip through turns. Basalt strips further amp up an already snappy, responsive feel, while the premium grade base is as fast as it gets.   Lengths: 144, 148, 152, 154, 156   + Powder, Grip, Response, Durability, Glide   - Jibbing/Park, Forgiveness   jonessnowboards.com  This park-focused twin combines rocker between the feet with camber towards tip and tail, giving a responsive, playful ride that’s perfect for progression. The blunted nose and tail provide a stable platform making buttering feel easy, while the wavy, breadknife-like edges mean there’s plenty of grip for charging those early morning groomers.   Lengths: 142, 145, 149, 152   + Jibbing/Park, Pop, Forgiveness, Stability   - Powder, Precision   roxy.com  A medium-flexing twin with a slightly set-back stance, the Hel Yes is powerful and responsive yet with an easygoing feel. It has camber underfoot with rocker towards tip and tail, giving a versatile ride with plenty of float in powder, while the core incorporates bamboo strips for extra lively ollies. The edges are retracted slightly under the feet, making turns easier to initiate while improving edge hold and control on piste.   Lengths: 146, 149, 152, 155   + Pop, Precision, Grip, Response, Powder   - Jibbing/Park   yesnowboard.com


theguardianuk--2019-03-11--For years I hated everything about swimming Now I take a selfish delight in it Maria Lewis

For years I hated everything about swimming. Now I take a selfish delight in it | Maria Lewis

For years, I would start every morning with a good cry. My alarm would go off at 4:45am – the latest I could possibly leave it – and I would sit at the end of my bed and sob for a solid few minutes. After that, I’d get up, climb into my togs, throw on whatever clothes were laying at the end of my bed, clean my teeth, grab a drink bottle, and jump in the car. I’d drive through the Gold Coast streets utterly miserable, looking at the houses still cloaked in darkness with envy as I thought about the people who were most likely still inside, asleep. I hated those people.  I’d pull up to the swimming pool, then stand next to my gear as I rolled my hair up and shoved it into a silicone bathing cap. This usually took a few minutes, and as I would be yanking the strands into place, I’d be staring at the still water divided into lanes with plastic ropes. I hated that water. In fact, for a massive chunk of my life I hated everything about swimming. I hated the early starts, I hated the darkness, and I hated the smell of chlorine that never seemed to leave my skin no matter how hard I scrubbed.  After high school, I was in a weird state of flux. I had just received a journalism cadetship and was working at a newspaper a few weeks after graduation, but I wasn’t sure if that was what I wanted to do.  I had been competing in surf life-saving and surfing simultaneously since I was a kid, juggling school with travel and training as I raced on the circuit. It wasn’t an unusual pastime, especially for surfy chicks growing up on the Gold Coast. Yet after some relative success and a few Australian medals under my belt, I was being pushed to take it more seriously. That meant taking it to the level of swimming training in a pool four mornings a week, with each session covering between five and seven kilometres. Afterwards, I’d rush to get changed for work and scoff my breakfast in the car as I drove to the newspaper. My lunch break would be another session: soft sand running or shallow water drills to hone our wading and body surfing ability. Back to work, hair permanently damp, then fang it to the surf club at the end of my shift where our coach – the late Pat O’Keefe – would have our gear loaded on a trailer and affixed to the back of a mini-bus. We’d all cram in there, some 30 of us in a 12-seater, as we were driven past Coolangatta to Snapper Rocks and dropped off. We’d hit the waves and begin what was known with universal horror among everyone as a “paddle back”. In short, we’d paddle from one end of the Gold Coast to the other, Snapper Rocks to Surfers Paradise, hundreds of metres out at sea as the light faded around us.  This I didn’t hate. I always preferred any training on a craft or in the ocean because at least it was interesting. The waves made it unpredictable, fun, and the more dangerous the surf was, the better. I had my face slit open on someone’s discarded board once, duct-taping my cheek back together so I could return to the water for a qualifying race. It didn’t seem like a big deal at the time and still doesn’t all these years later, as I’m left with a visible scar down the left side of my face. In 10 foot swell I had my jaw broken and eardrum perforated, meaning I had to wear an embarrassing headpiece to compete for the next few months until I healed. Boards and skis were snapped, countless sharks spotted, humpback whales paddled into by accident on a few occasions.  That was all preferable to the monotony of swimming up and down the lanes of a pool, entirely bored as the only thing to engage the mind were the toes of the person in front of you or the burn of your arms as you recalled how much pain you were in. It took years for me to fully work up the courage to admit to myself – and others – that I didn’t want to do the sport any more. The day I officially quit, I told myself I’d never get back into a swimming pool, I’d never get up at 4.30am again to do laps.  I still hate early mornings. But I don’t wake up and cry any more. And weirdest of all, I actually have started swimming again. Willingly. Happily. It happened about a year ago via this strange ache to engage with a physical activity that felt familiar. It had been so long, I didn’t even have any of the necessary equipment when I found a local 50 metre pool. I had to buy new goggles, a new cap, a new kickboard and eventually racing swimmers (because trying to do laps in a bikini as a big-busted chick is downright dangerous). I knew the first session would feel terrible – that “sack of potatoes” feeling reminding me what it was like to return to training after the off-season. Yet I went again, and again, building up a habit of lap swimming once a week. I couldn’t even look at the clock for the first month, not wanting to know how far my split times were off my old pace. When I eventually peeked, it wasn’t atrocious: it was a starting point.  There’s a selfish delight to swimming now that I didn’t have before. Back then, I felt like I had to do it. I could never imagine a world where I would willingly do this same activity for pleasure. These days, I still have to push myself to get out of the house and over the threshold of the pool, but once I’m there, I feel better. I feel strong and confident and powerful as I do my weekly kilometres, trying to inch back to the times I used to swim but also completely OK with the knowledge that I probably never will.  • Maria Lewis is a journalist and author of four books, including her latest The Witch Who Courted Death