theguardianuk--2019-07-29--Basketball is my first love but the athleticism of beach volleyball is amazing

Basketball is my first love, but the athleticism of beach volleyball is amazing

Not many people know that [my friend and mentor Wilt Chamberlain](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-kareem- abdul-jabbar-talks-wilt-chamberlain-hbo-20151103-story.html) was not just one of the greatest basketball players who ever lived, he was also a world-class volleyball player. Although he didn’t start playing volleyball until he was 33 and still with the Los Angeles Lakers, he sponsored his own team, was a board member of the International Volleyball Association, and was eventually named to the Volleyball Hall of Fame. “For a long time, volleyball became as big a part of my life as basketball once was,” [he said](https://www.sportsfeelgoodstories.com/volleyball-quotes/#wilt). “Being able to hold my own against the best in the world, on the beach or indoors, is something I’m very proud of.” Although he played both indoors and beach volleyball, I think beach suited his personality more.  I was reminded of his intense passion while watching the [beach volleyball world championships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Beach_Volleyball_World_Championships) in Germany this summer. Forty-eight men’s teams and 48 women’s teams competed in one of the most grueling, graceful, explosive, and entertaining sports being played today. Watching the men and women spike, block, and dive around a court that is almost impossible for two people to adequately cover makes one appreciate the elite level of athleticism necessary to be competitive on an international level. After basketball, it may very well may be the second-most exciting international sport.  Originating in Hawaii, beach volleyball has been around since 1895. But that was merely the indoor version of six-person teams transferred to sand. The modern beach volleyball game of two-person teams [was invented in 1930 by Paul “Pablo” Johnson](https://web.archive.org/web/20120813235054/http://www.bvbinfo.com/SandsSneak.asp?issue=3) on the Santa Monica beach. Bored with waiting for the rest of the players to arrive, he and three others mapped out a smaller court and began playing the first recorded game of two-a-side beach volleyball. It wasn’t until the 1970s and 1980s that beach volleyball became popular as, not just a sport, but a representative of beach culture. Surfing and volleyball became intertwined in the public’s mind and watching either came to represent an endless summer vibe of beach parties that lasted long into the night. If 1960s movies popularized the teen surfing scene as innocent Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello romping in the sand, the addition of beach volleyball in the 1980s added a bad-boy element, like remaking [Beach Blanket Bingo](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058953/) but directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Jack Nicholson and Robert DeNiro.  The professional beach volleyball stars of the 1980s played like pioneers of any sport: passionate and freewheeling, knowing they were defining the sport as it grew. Sometimes making it up as they went along. Sinjin Smith, Karch Kiraly, and Randy Stoklos were big personalities as well as big players. Tim Hovland was known for emotional outbursts, sometimes ripping off his shirt in anger. Kiraly once tore down a net during a match. These hormonal hijinks were good for popularizing the sport, bringing fans out to see a sport where anything could happen. Stoklos and Smith were even featured in the 1988 video game [Kings of the Beach](https://www.retrogames.cz/play_160-NES.php?language=EN).  A game of beach volleyball at sunset in St Petersburg. The game is popular around the world. Photograph: Peter Kovalev/TASS  Beach volleyball started to become popular outside the United States and in 1996, it became an official Olympic sport. In the six summer Olympics since the sport’s introduction, [the US has won six of the available 12 gold medals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_volleyball_at_the_Summer_Olympics#Total). But as the sport’s popularity continues to grow, Americans are facing tougher and tougher competition. This makes the sport even more exciting because the play has become much more sophisticated. The old style of simply passing, setting, and crushing the ball is no longer as effective against 6ft 7in blockers and whipsaw fast diggers. Players are adapting by training all year around and by playing smarter and more strategically. As the prize money has grown, they’ve come to treat the sport like a serious profession and not just a fun lifestyle. A point won with an easy lob is worth just as much as a point won through a powerhouse spike. This more enlightened approach is due in part to the maturation of the aging players. Many of the top athletes are married with children, no longer representing the swinging single beach lifestyle, but family men and women striving to excel in a challenging sport.  One of the most significant contributors to the sport’s growing popularity is the dynamic play of the women. Although their games are generally not as explosive as the men’s, they play with greater technique, variety of shots, and chess-like thinking, often making their matches more compelling. This was certainly true during this year’s world championships.  Watching the FIVB finals demonstrates why the sport is so riveting. Although, the US team of April Ross and Alix Klineman were defeated by Canada’s Sarah Pavan and Melissa Humana-Paredes, it was one of the most nail-biting finals of any sport. The final score of 23-21, 23-21 shows the Americans had opportunities to win in both sets, but were ultimately unable to capitalize. Despite each team having a 6ft 5in player blocking at the net, the standout player was Canada’s 5ft 9in Pavan, who dug meteoric spikes and placed shots with surgical precision. The men’s gold medal match between Russia and Germany was equally thrilling, with Russia winning the tie-breaking set. In both finals – and in all the matches leading up to them – fans witnessed amazing feats of athleticism. Hits that seemed impossible to even touch were dug by players diving through the sand, then popping up to hit the set. You can’t watch for more than a minute without seeing an extraordinary play that seems to defy what the human body is capable of doing.  Beach volleyball may no longer be a celebration of the laid-back, hang-loose, beers around the beach fire pit that it was a few decades ago. But shedding that weight has turned it into a sport that constantly challenges the physical and mental limitations of athletes and finds them up to that challenge. I certainly understand why Wilt loved the game so much.


theindependent--2019-02-17--Obama set for role with new African basketball league backed by NBA

Barack Obama has backed plans for a new basketball league in Africa and is set to take up a role with the project.  The former US president shared his support for the collaboration between the NBA and the basketball’s global governing body FIBA to create an elite competition involving several African countries.  He is expected to be “directly involved” with Basketball Africa League, although quite what role he will take remains unclear.  “I’ve always loved basketball because it’s about building a team that’s equal to more than the sum of its parts. Glad to see this expansion into Africa because for a rising continent, this can be about a lot more than what happens on the court,” he tweeted.  The initial plan is for the 12-team league to begin playing in January 2020, but it yet to be determined which existing club teams will be part of the league.  Qualification tournaments will be held later this year to decicde those clubs, with teams from Angola, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia expected to be among those taking part.  No nation will be allowed to have more than two teams in the league.  NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he was excited that Mr Obama wanted to have a role in the initiative, and said talks between the NBA and the former president are ongoing.  “As we’ve been talking about this concept over the last several months, there’s been a tremendous reception from many of our NBA team owners... and in addition, several of the partners of the NBA have expressed a strong desire to work with us in Africa,” Mr Silver said.  The commissioner said Pepsi and Nike’s Jordan Brand – Michael Jordan was present for the announcement – are among the partners who have said they want to be part of the league.  Mr Obama spoke on a video shown during the launch event in Charlotte, North Carolina.  “I hope you know through sport, that if you put in effort, you will be rewarded,” he said. “I hope you learn through sport what it means to play as a team, and even if you are the best player, your job is not just to show off but your job is to make your teammates better.”  A huge fan of the sport, Mr Obama had a court installed on White House grounds during his time in office and often played pick-up games with staff.  The NBA and FIBA’s involvement will include financial support and resources toward continued growing of the game on the continent, as well as providing training for players, coaches and referees and some infrastructure for the new league.  Three NBA games have been held in Africa since 2015, including two games in Johannesburg, the other in Pretoria.  The league already has an office in South Africa, has helped create 87 training facilities in seven African nations. The league also built an academy in Senegal that opened nearly two years ago.  “We’re excited to work closely with the NBA to develop and put in a place a professional league like none that we have ever seen in our region before,” said FIBA Africa’s executive director Alphonse Bile.  “Through the Basketball Africa League, we can provide the many great clubs and players with the best possible environment to compete for the highest stakes.”  We’ll tell you what’s true. You can form your own view.  At The Independent, no one tells us what to write. That’s why, in an era of political lies and Brexit bias, more readers are turning to an independent source. Subscribe from just 15p a day for extra exclusives, events and ebooks – all with no ads.


thesun--2019-01-22--Pacquiao stares down rival Mayweather at basketball as rematch talks continue

MANNY PACQUIAO stared down rival Floyd Mayweather at a basketball match just two days after calling him out for a blockbuster rematch.  Pacman ran into the undefeated boxer at the Staples Center in Los Angeles as the two fighters took in Golden State Warriors' win over LA Lakers.  Pacquiao posted a slow-motion video on his social media of the duo coming face-to-face last night.  Footage shows the Filipino fighter smiling as he approaches Money Mayweather before the two men had a brief and awkward embrace.  Pacquiao called out Mayweather after easing past Adrien Broner - who is 11 years his junior - on Saturday.  The 41-year-old American beat his rival on points back in 2015 and Pacquiao wants another chance for victory.  He said Saturday: "Tell him to come back in the ring and we will fight. I’m willing to fight Mayweather again.  "I’m so happy because god gave me this good health, at the age of 40 I can still give my best.  “I don’t believe my career is over, in my last fight I proved it and tonight I proved it again - Manny Pacquiao’s journey is still continuing."  Fans and followers of the WBA 'regular' welterweight champion suggested a new competition for the two fighters.  One wrote: "Since they keep meeting at basketball games maybe they'll just play one-on-one instead of box."  Others believe a rematch is inevitable due to the potential earnings.  One wrote: "We know Mayweather can't resist that Manny money."  Another said: "Floyd throws more punches in this clip than their actual fight."


thesun--2019-06-29--What basketball team does Ovie Soko from Love Island play for and how old is he

What basketball team does Ovie Soko from Love Island play for and how old is he?

OVIE SOKO is looking to make a splash in Love Island 2019.  The basketball hunk has entered the villa with school pals revealing that he is sure to ruffle some feathers with his 'smooth talking'.  A 6ft7 small-forward, he played for his school before attending college at UAB where he excelled over a three year period.  And after success at college level, Soko entered the NBA draft in 2014 but was left un-drafted.  He turned pro in the same year and signed a one-year deal with Boulazac Dordogneof in France.  Since then he's gone on to appear for Trikala Aries, Enel Brindisi and currently plays for UCAM Murcia in Spain.  In 2017, Soko played in the Basketball Champions League where he averaged 13 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, and was named to the competition's All-Star lineup.  Soko has also played for Great Britain and currently boasts over 50,000 Instagram followers.  And in June this year it was revealed that he would be starring in the 2019 version of Love Island, immediately catching the eye of Anna.  When asked to rate himself, he stated: "I feel like I’m an 8 but an international 8, some people call themselves a 10 but you can be a 10 in one place and go to the opposite side of the world and be a 4.  "Wherever I go around the world, I think I can be an 8. My best feature is my personality, I am just a vibe and people like being around my energy."  THE Love Island star entered the villa on June 28 and immediately made an impact.  He also went to school with former Love Island star Alexandra Cane.  Soko was born on February 7, 1991 and is currently 28 years old.


thetelegraph--2019-06-26--Great Britains basketball team look to build on Commonwealth Games success with run at EuroBasket f

Great Britain's basketball team look to build on Commonwealth Games success with run at EuroBasket finals

Great Britain's basketball team are primed to raise the profile of women's sport further this summer when the EuroBasket finals starts tomorrow.  Staged in Latvia and Serbia, the competition sees 16 teams battle it out to be crowned European champions and acts as a qualifying tournament for next year’s Olympic Games.  Having lost just one of their six group fixtures en route to qualifying for the tournament, Great Britain will be looking to build on the Commonwealth Games silver won by England last year amid increased optimism the side can hold its own against the basketball heavyweights on the continent.  “We’re taking that momentum and running with it,” said 29-year-old Georgia Jones, who supports her athletic commitments with a full-time job as a marketing executive for Basketball England.  “It’s great that we’re finally back and proving that we can compete with the best.


thetelegraph--2019-08-07--Great Britains basketball team target Tokyo 2020 spot which could become game-changer for their spo

Great Britain's basketball team target Tokyo 2020 spot which could become game-changer for their sport

A month on since leading Great Britain to an historic fourth-place finish at the EuroBasket finals, the side’s captain, Stefanie Collins, has good reason to still be beaming from ear to ear.  The achievement marked the first time a British team, male or female, had reached the semi-finals of the competition. In doing so, Collins will attempt to navigate her side through uncharted waters at an Olympic qualifying tournament next February in a bid to secure a spot at Tokyo 2020.  No British basketball team has ever qualified for an Olympics in its own right, with both men and women outfits having only ever been granted a host-nation berth at the London 2012 Games.  “It speaks leaps and bounds about our passion and our commitment to our sport,” said Collins. “We missed out on the  2016 Rio Olympics. A lot of our Olympic qualification has to take place in EuroBasket and Europe is one of the best regions in the world for basketball.  “It was a really competitive tournament so to see us get to a semi-final and be in a position where we could potentially go to Tokyo by our own right, I couldn’t be more proud and honoured to be part of this team.”


tass--2019-05-20--Moscow expects hundreds of spectators daily at 2019 World Archery Cup final

© Valeriy Sharifulin/TASS  MOSCOW, May 20. /TASS/. The final of the 2019 World Archery Cup, which is scheduled to be held on Moscow’s Red Square in early September, is likely to attract an up to 1,500 audience daily turnover, President of the Russian Archery Federation (RAF) Maria Larkina told TASS on Monday.  The press service of the World Archery Federation announced earlier in the day that the Russian capital of Moscow would be the venue for the final of the 2019 Archery World Cup on September 6-7.  "In line with the international federation’s regulations, spectators’ stands for such tournaments must seat at least 1,500 people," RAF President Larkina said in an interview with TASS.  "The tournament will be held soon after the Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival and this is why we plan using the spectators’ stands constructed for this music festival," she continued. "However, the stands must be partly dismantled on September 7, due to Moscow City Day and half of Red Square must be vacated."  The traditional Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival is scheduled to be held this year between August 23 and September 1 and stands accommodating a roughly 7,000-seat capacity crowd are planned to be put in place for this event on Red Square.  According to Larkina, the world archery competitions are held under all weather conditions and this is why there would be no special makeshift canopies stretched over the shooting ranges in case of rain.  The announced tournament in Moscow will be the first major archery sports competition hosted by Russia since the 1980 Summer Olympic Games in the Soviet Union.  According to the statement of the World Archery Federation, "The Russian capital joins Medellin, Shanghai, Antalya and Berlin as host cities on the international circuit in 2019."  "Red Square is the latest in a long list of iconic locations for the season- ending event," the statement reads. "Previous editions have been held in archery arenas built under the Eiffel Tower in Paris, in the Stadio dei Marmi in Rome, and the Zocalo central square in Mexico City."  In other media


tass--2019-04-29--Badminton Europe Confederation names Russias Mayorova Coach of the Year

Badminton Europe Confederation names Russia’s Mayorova ‘Coach of the Year’

MOSCOW, April 29. /TASS/. The Badminton Europe Confederation (BEC) has named Russia’s Klavdia Mayorova "the Coach of the Year," the press service of the Russian National Badminton Federation announced on Monday.  According to the press service, the award went to Mayorova "for her significant contribution into the European badminton."  "Results such a medal at the European level have been long a norm for us," Mayorova was quoted by the federation as saying. "However, we want to start winning medals at the World Championships."  "I hope that this award will boost the confidence of our coaching staff and will strengthen the belief in us," she added.  Mayorova has served as the head coach of the Russian national badminton team since 2010. She led the national team to the Olympic bronze in women’s pairs as well as to the European gold (both in men and women’s pairs). Russian badminton players also won numerous medals in singles and team competitions at various European Championships.  In other media


theirishtimes--2019-12-03--Canoeing Ireland ‘delighted’ Dublin getting €23m rafting course

Canoeing Ireland has said it was “delighted” plans for an international standard white-water rapids rafting circuit and polo pool at George’s Dock were approved by Dublin city councillors on Monday night.  Moira Aston, chief executive of the canoeing body, described the vote as “a big step forward”. The organisation hoped to host international competitions there once the facility was built.  The council said the facility, which will cost €23 million, will be used for elite slalom squad training, as well as national and international white-water kayaking events. It will also be used for canoe polo and water polo matches, and for tourist and recreational rafting.  However, it will also be used by the fire brigade and other emergency services and local authority staff for rescue training to deal with incidents in fast-moving waters, including floods.  “We have no international courses for our slalom athletes in Ireland at the moment – we have very limited facilities for athletes to train. They travel abroad to access facilities so this will give them the opportunity to train from home,” Ms Aston said.  “We would hope that once this course is built we can start hosting international competitions in slalom in Dublin – which is amazing, to have that right in the centre of the city. In terms of the cost, I think that any investment in sport infrastructure has been seen to pay dividends.  “We would be very excited about the prospects for developing young athletes in that area and giving kids an opportunity to grow a love for the water.”  The plans involve converting the early 19th-century dock into a mechanically-propelled rafting facility with a water polo pitch and an emergency service training centre. The 100m by 70m basin is located between the IFSC and the CHQ building next to the river Liffey.  Thirty-seven councillors voted in favour of the plans put forward at its monthly meeting on Monday evening, 19 voted against and three abstained.  Social Democrats councillor Gary Gannon, who voted in favour, said the facility “might be an opportunity that we didn’t know existed before”.  “We’re always told that we must be led by experts and their evidence, so when a senior member of Dublin Fire Brigade is telling you that they take more people from the water than they do from burning homes, and this facility will help them with their training, and that fire and rescue services from around the country will use this, I think it’s absolutely essential that we listen to them,” he said.  Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan, who also supports the project, said the facility would prove to be a source of income for the city.  “This funding provided for the white-water rafting is not from the housing budget. It doesn’t impact on the housing budget or the homeless services budget, that money comes from central Government.”  Independent councillor Mannix Flynn described the plans as “superficial and artificial”.


thesun--2019-07-29--Introvert canoeist Mallory Franklin determined to put paddle to the medal

ONLY two things frighten the life out of Britain’s leading canoe slalomist Mallory Franklin.  The first is kayaking on the open sea. This relates to an unfortunate incident a decade ago when she was backflipped out of her boat and suffered a panic attack.  The second is  that she is terrified of becoming Olympic champion.  It is not the competition or the event that scares her when she looks ahead to Tokyo 2020. It is all the razzmatazz that follows — the fame and trappings of celebrity.  As any top sportsperson will tell you, once the genie is out of the bottle, it is  hard to put it back in.  Franklin said: “The thought terrifies me. The experience of it, all the attention. I’m very much a secluded person. I like my own bubble. When I  think about it now, I 100 per cent want to go to  Tokyo. Then I think, ‘But everyone will know who I am!’  “In some ways the attention is nice. It’s nice to be recognised.  “But slalom, and canoeing in  general, doesn’t get much media attention. It peaks at the Olympics.  The Berkshire paddler prefers to live a quiet life and avoids celebrity trappings “We compete at the top level but spend a lot of time hidden. That shifts for the Olympics. “You almost become important. Suddenly you become a focus.  People want to speak to you. You have this whole external pressure that isn’t normally there.” Franklin, who grew up in Windsor and has a degree in sports therapy, is a shy  personality who comes alive when she is in a slalom boat. And slowly but surely, she is determined to become more confident and vocal on the big stage. The 25-year-old is  undertaking media training, having accepted that  her first-ever media interview, at the age of 16, was a total disaster. She laughed: “Watch my first TV interview with the BBC in 2010. It’s hilarious. I was asked  loads of  questions. I was petrified. National Lottery funding: “It allows me to train at a world-class venue, alongside some of the best paddlers in the world, train abroad and travel to international competitions. I’m able to seek help and guidance from top-level support staff, which enables me to perform at my best. The biggest effect from National Lottery funding is access to my coach Craig Morris, who has helped me grow into the person I am.” “They didn’t tell me where to look, so I looked at the floor. It was a safe place where I didn’t have to see anyone’s face!” One glance at her CV would  suggest Franklin will be in the hunt for Olympic medals next year. In 2017 she became the C1 world champion. Last year in Rio she had to settle for individual silvers in the C1 and K1 classes. She has won the European title multiple times. And only last month she won double gold medals, K1 and C1, at the World Cup event at the Lee Valley White Water Centre, the location for the London 2012 Olympics. It was one of the rare occasions she beat her nemesis, Jessica Fox, the all-conquering Australian. Franklin said: “Jess is a bit of a bugbear! She’s very good at canoeing but she isn’t unattainable.  “It will be tough, of course. She has more of a pedigree than I have.  But so much within the sport can change. It’s so cut-throat. It can change in a second.”  Franklin’s retired parents used to work as data analysts for British Airways and the family spent a lot of time in the United States. Mallory, whose first name was inspired by the Enid Blyton children’s novels Malory Towers, is in the middle of two brothers. She took up the sport aged five and learned to paddle on the River Thames  at the Windsor & District Canoe Club. Franklin now trains full-time at Lee Valley and lives in Hertfordshire with her paddler fiance and their two cats. She said: “There was a bit of a disagreement about what we’d call them. I wanted to name them Monty and Python. Our other housemate wanted to call them Maverick and Goose after Top Gun characters. Franklin trains at the Lee Valley White Water  Centre and won World Cup medals there last month Away from canoeing, Franklin and her fiance have two cats - Monty and Maverick - at their Essex home “In the end we settled on Monty and Maverick. They are females — adorable and ridiculously friendly.” As for her sea phobia, this stems from a trip to Teesside. She explained: “You shouldn’t really go on the sea in slalom boats but I had agreed to go. “I was with someone I had known since I started paddling. He was on his surfboard. A big wave — about six foot in my opinion — hit me and I got backflipped by it. “Every time I tried to breathe I got crashed by a wave and I started to have a panic attack. Then my friend came and got me. It left me terrified of the sea for a long time. “My fiance went out a lot in the sea along the Welsh coast. He will tell me it’s fine. But I say, ‘No, it’s not’. At least at Lee Valley, it’s  controlled and you can turn it off!” National Lottery funding has supported more than 6,000 athletes since 1997, allowing them to train full time, have access to the world’s best coaches and benefit from pioneering technology, science and medical support. Each time you play The National Lottery, you are transforming British sport. British athletes have won more than 860 inspirational Olympic and Paralympic medals since National Lottery funding began.


cnsnews--2019-01-10--Transgender Wins Female Cycling Contest Declares Himself A WORLD CHAMPION

Transgender Wins Female Cycling Contest, Declares Himself 'A WORLD CHAMPION’

A transgender cyclist, a biological male who identifies as female, has declared him/herself the “First transgender world champion…ever.”  Transgender cyclist Rachel McKinnon — a biological male — placed first in a female cycling world championship competition Saturday, The Blaze reports:  “McKinnon won the sprint final at the 2018 UCI Masters Track Cycling World Championships in Los Angeles, besting Carolien Van Herrikhuyzen of the Netherlands and Jennifer Wagner of the United States.”  “An assistant philosophy professor at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, McKinnon (center, wearing gold medal) announced the victory on Twitter:


theguardianuk--2019-10-19--Tour de northern France: a new cycling trail in Flanders

I’m sitting down to a picnic breakfast at a sun-flecked table beside the River Lys in Flanders. Consulting my map, I write the following numbers on something approximating a waxed luggage tag: “22-37-71-34-33-32-31-30-08-01-33”. I put the map away, slip the tag around my bike’s handlebars and I’m set for the morning. I’ve never been to this part of Flanders before – it’s the lesser-known French part, on the northernmost tip of the country, bordering Belgium – but I’m now confident I can cycle today from my table in the riverside town of Saint-Venant, through Haverskerque, across the Nieppe forest, down into Merville and finally into the town of Estaires.  Welcome to French Flanders’ ingenious new cycle network. Launched earlier this year, the catchily titled Réseau Points-Nœuds Vélo (literally Network Node-Points Bike) comprises 830km of minor roads and cycle paths covering the Vallée de la Lys, the Monts de Flandre hills and a small slice of southern Belgium. The clever bit is its hundreds of numbered signposts – or “node-points” – each directing cyclists to the next numbered signpost. All riders need to do is pick up the map (€8), note down the node-point numbers on their chosen route and pedal away. The map also highlights restaurants, breweries, museums, attractions, campsites and eco-lodges, and shows the distances between the node-points, which makes tailoring your own Tour de Flandre extremely simple. And once you’ve set off, there’s no need to consult the map again, or worry about your phone dying.  Less than three hours after setting off from London, I picked up my hire bike (eeuwenhout.info) at Bailleul, one of the many small towns and villages within the network served by a railway station. On my three-day circular tour I would cover 180km, starting with a gentle climb into the low hills of the Monts de Flandre.  It was lunchtime when I rolled into Terdeghem, a village of neat brick cottages and the Het Kerk Hoek, holder of the much-prized Estaminets flamands marque, awarded to authentically Flemish restaurants and bars. I think it’s fairly safe to say that, like the rest of Flanders – which loves its beef, chicken, mussels and cheeses – it has yet to receive the memo about veganism. However, it’s wonderful how far cow eyes and a sad inflection in the voice will get you. In no time, I was tucking into a beautiful platter of locally grown crudités, complete with little pots of dressings, sauces and a compôte, along with a 3 Monts beer. “Brewed just 3km from here,” according to the barman.  It was the first of many Flemish beers I sampled. At the Bellenaert eco-brewery in Outtersteene, where all the energy comes from renewables, I learned a little about the nuances of bitterness, density and colour. Flemish beers are usually fermented a second time in the bottle, which gives them a delicate crispness.  I also discovered that the Flemish have a sceptical attitude to Mondays, and opening hours in general – my attempts to visit the museums dedicated to life on the French/Belgian border and bees were rebuffed by musée fermé signs. However, I had more luck when I breezed along the few kilometres (“59-23-27-22-33”) from Terdeghem to Cassel.  Perched on the saddle between two hills, and sprinkled with gorgeous Flemish architecture, Cassel is said to be the inspiration for the nursery rhyme The Grand Old Duke of York, and was voted France’s favourite village in a TV competition last year. On the beautiful old Grand’Place I popped into the Musée de Flandre to unearth something of the region’s history. It was rather bloody: the area was fought over by Burgundians, Dutch, Spanish, French and Germans (though not all at once). However, its people did inspire Pieter Bruegel the Elder, so there’s that.  I was just about to leave when I heard Harpo’s 1975 smash, Movie Star, being played outside by a marching band, striding over the cobbles. And then came another. And another. I had stumbled upon a competition – six brass bands from local villages taking turns to roam around Cassel’s Grand’Place blasting out three-minute renditions of popular classics, from Abba and Aha to the White Stripes and, well, AC/DC. Until you’ve heard Highway to Hell played by 30 mild-mannered, uniformed village folk, you cannot truly claim to have lived.  My days rolled away as I bowled languorously along quiet back roads. This is farming country: the path alongside the River Lys from Thiennes to Haverskerque made for a pleasant off-road stretch, while the track through the Nieppe forest provided a sylvan interlude.  Accommodation in the region is plentiful: I spent my first night in a Cabane Rando, a rustic wooden pod the shape of an A-frame tent (€25 single occupancy, €46 double); my second in what looked like a charming folly converted into an elegant little gîte (sleeps 4 from €110), where I listened to a pair of owls calling back and forth across the woodland garden; and my final night in Flandre Lys eco-lodge (sleeps 4, €36) at a fetching little pleasure boat marina on the Lys, where my thrillingly lofty bedroom was reached by a ladder.  Over the next two years, the network will expand north to Dunkirk, and one would hope that it’s only a matter of time before this brilliantly simple idea makes the leap across the Channel. For this surely is the future of cycle touring: the days of the old-school map are numbered. • The trip was provided by Nord Tourisme (jadorelenord.fr, in French only), which sells the Réseau Points-Nœuds Vélo map (€8); it’s also available from tourist information centres. Rail tickets were supplied by Rail Europe: London-Lille from £58 return; Lille-Bailleul €14.40 return. Bicycle hire at Bailleul was provided by Eeuwenhout (eeuwenhout.info, Dutch only), which can deliver to the station: electric bicycle €30 a day/ €175 a week  Looking for a holiday with a difference? Browse Guardian Holidays to see a range of fantastic trips


theindependent--2019-03-01--Track Cycling World Championships Laura Kenny withdraws from the Omnium

Track Cycling World Championships: Laura Kenny withdraws from the Omnium

Laura Kenny has withdrawn from riding the Omnium at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Pruszkow, with Katie Archibald set to ride in her place for Great Britain.  Kenny, a two-time Olympic champion in the event, indicated after Thursday's team pursuit that she had been feeling off her game this week, prompting her to step aside.  "I am absolutely gutted to announce that I won't be riding in the Omnium at the world championships today," Kenny wrote on Instagram.  Kenny added: "I haven't been feeling right all week for reasons we're not sure of, but we do know my performances in the team pursuit over the last two days have been well off where I have been in training over the last two weeks.  "I would have given the Omnium my best shot and I really wanted to do it but with the depth of the squad it was decided that it was better that I didn't compete and give someone else the opportunity.  "I agree with the decision and I think Katie will do a brilliant job. I wish her, and all my team mates, the best of luck for the rest of the competition."  Archibald won the Omnium world title at the 2017 world championships in Hong Kong. The 24-year-old is also slated to ride in the Madison on Saturday alongside Neah Evans.  These championships have not proved a particularly happy one for the Kennys.  Laura sought to take the blame for Britain finishing second to Australia in the women's team pursuit on Thursday, saying she was unable to do full turns on the front, while on Wednesday Jason and the men's team sprint squad were disappointed to miss out on the medal rounds.  Keep up to date with all the latest news with expert comment and analysis from our award-winning writers


theindependent--2019-07-28--Tour de France 2019 Egan Bernal has cycling world at his feet after winning his first yellow jersey

Tour de France 2019: Egan Bernal has cycling world at his feet after winning his first yellow jersey

As Egan Bernal clinked champagne glasses with Dave Brailsford and Ineos teammates en route to his coronation in Paris, it was tempting to wonder how many more times this image would repeat itself over the coming years. Aged 22, Bernal is the youngest Tour de France winner of the post-war era with a natural gift for climbing at altitude in the strongest team of modern times. If you were to design the next era-defining Grand Tour rider, they would look an awful lot like Egan Bernal.  He has had to play the long game over the past three weeks, not getting his hands on the yellow jersey until the penultimate stage, but in some ways it was a mark of his patience as well as his impressive maturity: he stayed alert on the open plains of the Massif, limited the damage on the time-trial, moved into position in the Pyrenees and finally pounced in the thin air of the Alps.  The last day was the easiest of all. Tradition dictates the final stage of the Tour is a truce between the main GC riders, more parade than peloton, and it was a chance for the 158 who made it this far to finally enjoy themselves. They chatted away in the evening sun and took it in turns to come to the fore for group photos like a family wedding. Peter Sagan, wearing a record seventh green jersey, photobombed Ineos’s team shot, while there was an eye-catching picture of the four Colombians – three finished in the top 10 and one wore the maillot jaune.  “Thank you Gee for the opportunity,” Bernal said on the podium to his teammate Geraint Thomas, who finished second. “Today I am the most happy guy in the world. I really can’t believe it.”  Pockets of yellow brightened up the roadside as thousands of Colombians turned out in their unmissable national football shirt to cheer home Bernal. Colombia has a great cycling tradition and its riders have made a significant impact on the Tour since the first, Luis Herrera, rode here in 1984. Thirty-five years later those fans finally celebrate a champion.  The Australian Caleb Ewan won the stage itself to clinch a stunning hat-trick of wins on his debut Tour. In his running battle with Elia Viviani, Dylan Groenewegen and Sagan he has come out on top and proved himself the best sprinter on the planet right now, even if he wouldn’t say it himself. “I’m not going to sit here and say I’m the best sprinter in the world, but I’ve proved I’m the best sprinter in this Tour de France,” Ewan said. “The last time I was in Paris I was 17, and I drove down the Champs-Elysees and said ‘I’m going to win here’.”  Romain Bardet secured the polka dot jersey, thinly papering over the cracks in his GC credentials, while the most combative rider prize went to man who lit up this race and turned it into one of the best in years, Julian Alaphilippe, giving him a well-deserved reason to be on the podium in Paris. Asked about his future ambitions, Alaphilippe said: “I may come back one day to win the Tour de France but not next year, no.”  And of course Bernal himself won the best young rider’s white jersey. Are we getting a little overexcited? It’s easy to forget that these are still early days and that not all young talents deliver on their promise. The most obvious comparison is his fellow Colombian climber Nairo Quintana, who seemed certain to become a Tour de France champion after winning the white jersey aged 23 and the Giro d’Italia aged 24, but probably never will. Then again Quintana’s weaknesses – a terrible time-triallist in a strategically woeful team competing against the might of Team Sky – simply don’t apply to Bernal.  Strangely the greatest threat to Bernal might be Team Ineos themselves, who now hold the past three Tour de France champions in their stable. Geraint Thomas was Bernal’s closest competition this year and the Welshman was clear-eyed when he said on Saturday that he could win the Tour next year, while Chris Froome may be 35 next year but is still desperate to win a fifth yellow jersey and has been joking with French rival Thibaut Pinot on social media about seeing him on the start line in 2020.  Tim Kerrison, Ineos’s head of performance, gave a less than convincing ‘cross that bridge when we come to it’ kind of answer when asked how he and Brailsford would deal with the situation. He suggested they “will do what we always do”, but they have never had three outstanding riders like this and it is hard to imagine any one of the Bernal, Thomas or Froome accepting a role as super-domestique.  It is now seven years from eight that the British team have won the Tour – Froome crashed out in 2014 when Vincenzo Nibali won it – but this time they wavered a little in their control of the race and faced real competition. The brilliant Dutch team Jumbo-Visma showed particularly promising signs, finishing on the podium with Steven Kruijswijk and winning four stages including the team-trial. They are rumoured to be signing the best rider in the Netherlands right now, Tom Dumoulin, who would add further ammunition.  Yet even if rivals improve, don’t be fooled into thinking Ineos are getting weaker. Froome and Thomas may be towards the end of their careers but they are determined to go on, while there is a raft of talent coming through the team’s development programme. As if they need another Grand Tour winner in their ranks, the Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz is set to switch from Spanish team Movistar following his triumph in the Giro d’Italia in May.  And at the heart of all their plans must be Bernal. He has been considered a Grand Tour winner in waiting for a couple of years now, and the only surprise is that it came so soon. Before he had even sealed the jersey he was talking about his desire to keep winning, to earn a second and a third. It was not said with bravado but with the assertiveness of someone who is simply determined to maximise their unique talent. Bernal has a measured head on those young shoulders, and the cycling world at his feet.


birminghammail--2019-01-02--We cant play football like they do What West Broms rivals have said about them

'We can’t play football like they do' What West Brom's rivals have said about them

What do West Bromwich Albion's opponents think of them?  Throughout the season we will bring you the pre or post match comments of rival managers in the Championship and the cups to find out what they have to say about Albion and their games against them.  Here's what the bosses of Albion's opponents have said about them so far this term.  “They’re a good side with good players yet out intensity managed to overcome them today.  "We can’t play football like they do I don’t think, with their experience and quality but we had to find a way to win and we managed to do that.  “Against top teams you always want that bit of a cushion because you feel they can score at any time.  “It was a huge blow them scoring so soon after going 2-0 up because there might have been a sense of déjà vu creeping it.  “But we managed get to through it.”  "It's a sore one, prior to the game most would have said it would be a good point but the players are so disappointed.  "To come to a club like this and put in that performance, work rate and togetherness was a big positive.  "The boys can take a lot of confidence but we won't get ahead of ourselves. This league can kick you in the teeth when you think you are getting somewhere."  "It is tough for us at the moment but the lads are giving everything that they have got. Our season won't be defined by today.  "We can take great encouragement from the game in general and how we played. For an away team I felt we did enough to possibly get something out of the game.  "It is a very tough league and we have got to do our best come the end of the season to make sure that we retain our status and I am very confident that we will.  "We have to keep going. You have to go through pain in football. We have had plenty of good times at Wigan and now we are having a little bit of rain through the roof and we must fix the roof."  "I don't think we could have played any better. We missed a penalty which summed up the day really.  "We were just on the side of unlucky, I don't think we deserved to lose 4-0 but West Brom were the better team.  "The lads played as well as they possibly could. Another day we might have got the equalising goal when we hit the post.  "It wasn't like we took an absolute trouncing, we were always in the game. I don't feel ashamed at losing at home to West Brom."  "You've got to kill the game off. If it was roles reversed, if West Brom had had that dominant period, then it would have been damage limitation for the opposition.  "The first 30 or 35 minutes, we dominated a really good side. We should have been 2-0 or 3-0 up. But it was the same old scenario. We drive the opposition back and limited really good players to next to nothing. We should have been out of sight."  “This is now our third season in the Championship, for Albion it’s their first after a really successful period in the Premier League.  “They were one of the original up and down clubs, but then they’ve had a consistent spell up there.  “They’ve spent money really well; they’ve developed the training ground, the ground and they’ve brought in some really good players.  “They’re one of the fancied teams coming down from last season, and it makes for a really good game for us.”  “It’s not how we wanted to play but we were playing against the best home side in the division.”  Frank insisted Albion’s goal, scored by Harvey Barnes on 77 minutes, should not have stood after Dwight Gayle pushed Ezri Konsa in the build-up.  He said: “I think it’s a push. It’s one of those, we see a lot of small mistakes from players all over the pitch, also sometimes from the referees.  “It happens, everyone tries to do their best – but we came back.”  “The nature of the goals we conceded was disappointing.    “We have got to do better in that area. We have done that all season, but clearly we were not good enough tonight.     “But apart from that, I have got nothing but admiration for the players for their courage and their understanding of what we were trying to do.     “The first half was as well as we have played against a good team who are really dangerous on the transition.     “They have scored a lot of goals that way and we did well there.     “But the set-piece goals change the complexion of the game. They allowed them to sit back in the second half and the spaces were not there so much for us.  “West Brom are a top, top side that have just been relegated and not lost many players. We went toe-to-toe with West Brom. I think second half we were outstanding.  We’ve got a really young side and academy kids coming off the bench whereas they’ve got a guy coming off the bench who has actually won the Premier League (Gareth Barry). They are a hell of a side.”  Speaking pre-match, Bielsa hailed the Baggies as an attacking unit  “I think the best offensive players of the Championship play in West Bromwich.  “They might not have the best player in each position. But if we take, as a whole, No. 15, 10, 19 and 16, they are the best offensive players.  “If we take them as a whole you won’t find another team with players as good as them.  "The challenge between the head coach of West Bromwich and me regarding the design of the game.  "The head coach of West Bromwich found a game that suited the features of his team. And that’s precisely what I had to avoid with the idea I had for this game."  Adkins' was surprised that Albion didn't test Hull's goalkeeper more  “The work-rate, the commitment and the effort of the players to get around the pitch was excellent against a team that has been free-scoring this season.  "They are the leading scorers in the division but I can’t remember David Marshall really having too much to do.  “We saw the game out and great credit goes to the players and the staff for the hard work they consistently put in."  Rovers boss Mowbray praised his players for clinging on and enjoyed his return  “We take a point from a very tough place to come and will put it in the bag and move on.  "It's really good to see all the people that still work here. It's a proper club I think, good club, good people, hardworking people behind the scenes.  "I like good human beings, people with good morals, good standards, and there's lots of people like that here."  Lampard hailed Albion ahead of their meeting with Derby  “They have had a good start. They are a strong team with Premier League players.  “They have a very good manager [Darren Moore], who deserved to get the job after the response he got from the team last season.  “They are a strong force on all fronts and I believe they will be up there. I don’t know Darren Moore personally but I know he is well regarded here at Derby and I look forward to going up against him.  “You expect to have problems in games like this but it’s not a case of fearing them. We will be looking at how we can cause them problems and deal with their threat.”  Cook tipped Albion for a strong season despite seeing Wigan win  "I'm just pleased with the performance, no matter how the game goes. As a manager I'm very much into how we perform.  "We came up against a really good West Brom side. They're in such good form, free-scoring, such a good style of play. They open you up and we had to be in tune.  "We defended really well, we were organised and always carried a threat going forward. We deserved to win but West Brom will get to where they want to be in the end."  Clement was speaking after the Royals' 4-1 defeat at The Hawthorns:  "The first half was maybe the best we've played all season. We've come to a team who have been really strong so far this season.  "They've scored more goals than any other in the league and have got Premier League quality players all over the pitch. But we were the better side by far in the first half.  "In the second half they came out with more intensity in their play and have got a good frontline and good players at the back who come up for set-plays.  "I know Bartley from his time at Swansea. He is very good in the air."  Owls boss Luhukay spoke to BBC Radio Sheffield after his side relinquished a two-goal lead  "We have a comfortable situation at 2-0 but for West Brom to score two goals so quickly was painful for us.  "The second goal came from deep in our own half.  "On the positive side, it was a fantastic goal from Adam Reach. We played well and had other chances.  "Last Friday we did not lose against Leeds. The same now with West Brom. We are happy with that."  Hodgson was full of praise for Palace after their Carabao Cup win at The Hawthorns  “I thought that we were excellent in every aspect to the game. It is not often that you can say that as a coach.  “I would find it hard to find any fault in our performance. I thought our defending was excellent and our attacking play was sometimes of a really, really good class.  “It got us three goals but it could so easily have got us more.  “It is good to win games and it is good to win them away from home.  “Everything about the performance was just what I wanted.  “Our message to the players was very simple that this was a great opportunity for the players to stake a claim and for us to advance in the competition.  “It would be dishonest of me to say that we see the competition as a priority but we see it as a competition we will take very seriously.”  Harris raved about Albion's attacking quality after Millwall lost 2-0 at The Hawthorns  “They could score 600 goals this season! They are just a goal threat.  "They have got fantastic individual players and Darren Moore has done great to hang on to some of those players, while adding players like Dwight Gayle and Harvey Barnes.  "There is a group of players there with Premier League qualities, if not international qualities as well, with England.  "You know you have to be at your best to compete with West Brom and that’s why I’ll lavish praise on my squad."  "I thought we got through them at times pretty well and got into places where we could have gone and been effective.  "I thought that we should have had a penalty with Andi Weimann and that maybe would have given us eight or nine minutes to go and get the equaliser.  "He was dragged down as the cross came in - being held from very early in the move - and there the little things you need to go for you. And not enough went for us today due to us not performing the basics well enough.  "That’s my gripe with my team and that’s where we need to improve. But saying that we’ve had three clean sheets in four - is it an off day is it the opposition’s quality? Difficult to say."  Blues dominated their derby draw with an Albion side Monk spoke highly of ahead of the match  “We understand that we’re playing against a really strong side. Often with teams that have come down from the Premier League, some find it hard and some don’t find it so hard.  “I think West Brom are probably the latter, where they’ve adjusted really quickly and they’ve put in strong performances.  “They’ve got a fantastic squad but that’s quite common nowadays, a lot of the Premier League teams that come down are able to keep their players, which is a big benefit for them.  Rowett felt Jake Livermore should have been sent off during the Potters' 2-1 defeat at The Hawthorns  "The penalty impacts the game somewhat.  "The ref said it's not a sending off because it hits the post and then hits the hand, but it doesn't, he deliberately handles it and it has to be a sending off.  "But then to sum up the afternoon we go and miss the penalty when we could have had 20 minutes of pressure.  "Then the first time we take a risk, Erik Pieters shoots and scores, surprise, surprise. If you are brave, things happen off the back of it.  "You could argue the quality of their chances were better, but we have made silly defensive mistakes.  "If it was a one off I could accept it, but in five of six games we have made silly defensive mistakes and when you look at the players we've got you cannot keep doing that."  The Stags boss thought his team more than matched Albion in their Carabao Cup defeat  "I was proud of the players and proud of the club with the way we’ve represented each other tonight – the supporters and the way they’ve sung tonight. They were outstanding.  “We out-sung West Brom for large parts of this game and the ovation at the end probably tells you what a committed performance it was.  “We had some glorious moments to go and win the game. It wasn’t blood and thunder – it was calculated and it was executed well.  “There was a lot of quality on show from both teams and we went toe to toe on the quality levels.  “How we’ve not scored three or four tonight is beyond me, but you get those games."  The Boro boss was full of praise for his former club after winning his reunion match at the Riverside  “I think they’ve got the best squad, and the best players, and anybody who finishes above them will get promoted.  “Is it because I signed half the squad? No! I just think that they were a club where everybody thought they were going to sell all their players, and they weren’t going to be left with anything.  “They bring Dawson on, with a couple of minutes to go, Morrison...they’ve got real quality in that football club.  “They’ve still got Chadli to come into the team. It’s just a matter of us catching them today and we’ve played really well to win but there’ll be other days where they’ll play really well and just open teams up.”  The QPR boss was full of praise for West Brom before they gave his side a 7-1 thumping on Saturday  "I’ve said to the players it’s a great game for us. West Brom are full of Premier League pedigree and it is a big test for us.  "They’ve more or less kept their squad together.  "They’ve added Dwight Gayle, a proven scorer in the Championship. It will be very tough.  "Matt Phillips - who I know from my last time here - is supplying the crosses and you’ve seen he’s been a handful."  Luton were narrowly beaten by Albion thanks to their ‘clinical edge’, according their manager  "They showed the clinical edge to take the chance for the goal. There will be Championship sides that come here and be turned over far worse than what we were.  "The atmosphere at The Hawthorns and the fans that they have are superb. It’s a wonderful place to go. It’s always good to test yourself."  Farke recognised how much quality West Brom have after the Baggies edged a seven-goal thriller at Carrow Road  "We were so much on the front foot against such a good side with so much quality.  "Normally the game at half-time would be done.  "Mistakes cost us goals but we still scored in the second-half. Our offensive play was good but against such a good side we had too many mistakes."  Karanka thought Forest were better than Albion, despite all the quality the Baggies possess  "I said before the game that West Brom are a very good team but we were better than them and should have won the match.  "We had chances to score in the first half and after our goal but once you don’t get that crucial second goal, you can get penalised for one mistake against a quality side."  Before the two sides met in the first game of the season, Parkinson spoke of Albion as one of the promotion favourites  "The teams that come down are always the bookies' favourites to go straight back up but they had a bit of disruption in the summer and it hasn’t all been plain sailing for Darren Moore.  "It’s a great game to go into and the expectation will be on West Brom but we’re hopeful of continuing our pre-season form."


birminghammail--2019-02-05--Explained Why the stage is set for European football at Wolves

Explained: Why the stage is set for European football at Wolves

Sit back, let your mind wander and imagine European football returning to Molineux.  Not so long ago Wolverhampton Wanderers were dealing with the dreaded double-drop down to League One, but wholesale changes have got this former giant competing again.  Seventh in the Premier League and already a feared opponent for the big-boys above them, there’s every chance that Nuno Espirito Santo 's troops can be the Burnley of 2019.  Last season it was the Clarets who finished in this position and scraped into the Europa League as a result of Manchester City and Chelsea winning the cup competitions as well as finishing in the top six.  It would be an amazing achievement if Wolves were to do it during their first season back in the top-flight - and even more impressive as the Molineux men have done it in style.  But can they keep up with the pace - and even then, will it be enough?  Finishing seventh and hoping that a top-six club win the FA Cup is the most likely way Wolves will get there.  With Manchester United playing Chelsea in the next round of the prestigious competition, there will only be two of the current top six left in the quarter-finals providing City don’t slip up against Newport or Middlesbrough.  So the chance of an outsider causing a shock is still on.  That outsider could well be Wolves. They’ve already beaten Liverpool and taken points off every other top-six opponent in the Premier League so why can’t they go all the way in the competition?  A win would see them enter at a much later stage in the Europa League, too.  Another potential route in is to jump ahead of stuttering Arsenal into sixth.  Wolves are currently nine points behind the Gunners and still have to entertain Unai Emery’s men in March.  It’s an unlikely outcome, but stranger things have happened.  Football reporter Ben Husband discusses the possibility of the a European tour in the video above.  Will the added Europa League fixtures stretch Wolves’ resources too far?’ Ben asks.  Do Wolves just take it as a special season or go one step further with this amazing adventure?  Watch the video above for his full thoughts.  We asked fans whether Wolves were ready for European football.  Here are some of the replies:  Paul Smith: “Not now, but if we qualify. Fosun and Nuno will get the right players in over the summer to make sure we are ready next season.”  @Dwarfio: “I thought the only way I’d see #wwfc in Europe was if they brought the Anglo Italian Cup back. Could we, just maybe.”  @ranabainsrocke1: “Everton away what a day , Europe in sights now. Class performance up the wolves #wwfc”  @alan_wolves: “Between now and end of season we will pick up more points than LFC. Congrats to MCFC for another league win. Anfield last game of season we qualify for Europe. #lfc #mcfc #wwfc.”  Former Wolverhampton Wanderers skipper Paul Ince has backed his old club to gatecrash the Premier League's top six, this season.  He was speaking after Nuno Espirito Santo's squad easily dismissed Everton at Goodison Park.  Wolves went into their clash with the Toffees knowing a win would put them clear in the race to be 'best of the rest'.  In reality it was hardly a contest as Wolves swept aside a sorry Everton side.  Speaking on BT Sport's Score show, Ince said: “I’m going to put my neck out here. They could get sixth, they are on 38 points.  “I’m not sure who will drop out, all I’m saying is they are on 38 points, they’ve competed and beat most of the top six.  “Who’s to say they couldn’t finish sixth in the table?”  Former Aston Villa and Birmingham City striker Chris Sutton couldn't resist answering Ince's question: “Most of us on this couch would!”


thedailyecho--2019-02-14--Met Office issues fog weather warning for Southampton

A WEATHER warning for fog in Southampton and Hampshire has been issued by the Met Office.  The yellow warning is in place until 11am today for the entire county except Fareham and Gosport.  Forecasters say visibility will be below 100m and will be slow to clear. Residents are urged to be careful and expect slower journey times, with delays possible to bus and train services. Flights may also be delayed or cancelled.


thedailyecho--2019-02-15--Met Office issues fog weather warning as flights from Southampton Airport face delays

FOG is causing delays at Southampton Airport this morning.  The disruption comes after the Met Office issued a weather warning for fog in Southampton.  The yellow warning is in place until 11am today and forecasters warn that it could cause slower journeys on roads and rail, as well as flights.  Currently there are delays on flights from Southampton to Jersey and Guernsey, and a flight to Glasgow has been cancelled.


thedailyecho--2019-03-11--Met Office wind weather warning issued for Southampton on Wednesday

ANOTHER weather warning for wind has been issued for the whole of Hampshire on Wednesday by the Met Office.  Forecasters have predicted winds of up to 50mph and are urging residents to be vigilant.  A statement says: “Strong northwesterly winds are expected during Wednesday with possible transport disruption.”  Bus and railway services could be affected and power cuts are possible, while people living in seafront and exposed areas are being warned to be careful.  Heavy rain is also forecast throughout Tuesday across the county.  It comes after strong winds caused travel problems at the weekend.  Strong winds overnight from Saturday into Sunday brought down a number of trees near Southampton and the New Forest, and a huge tree fell in Tebourba Way, Southampton, on Saturday.  Residents woke up on Saturday morning to find roads blocked, boats blown over, trees across railway lines, and ferry and hovercraft services across the Solent suspended.  A trees fell in Fawley Road, Hythe, causing disruption for drivers and bus services, while another blocked both lanes of Northlands Road, Southampton, before it was removed by experts.  Meanwhile another tree fell in Anglesea Road, Shirley, and a boat was blown over in Calshot.  Southern Western Railways told the Daily Echo problems had been reported at Brockenhurst, Chandler’s Ford, and Redbridge, and a tree was blocking the railway at Sway.


thedailyecho--2019-07-23--Lightning forecast in Southampton as Met Office issues weather warning

LIGHTNING has been forecast in Southampton tonight after the Met Office issued a thunderstorm weather warning.  The warning is in place from 6pm tonight until 9am on Wednesday and the Met Office is warning it could lead to power cuts and travel delays.  FORECAST: The BBC has predicted lightning this evening  A statement says: "There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.  "There is a small chance of damage to property from lightning strikes, hail, or strong woinds.  "There is a small chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus."  BBC weather is also forecasting lightning from 10pm tonight until 3am on Wednesday in Southampton.


thedailyecho--2019-08-15--Weather warning for heavy rain in part of Hampshire on Friday

THE Met Office is warning of heavy rain across part of Hampshire on Friday.  A weather warning has been issued and will be in force over the New Forest area between 8am and 10pm.  A Met Office spokesperson said: “Rain is expected to become widespread and heavy at times during Friday. “Heavy rain may also coincide with peak travel times during the afternoon and early evening leading to difficult driving conditions on major routes. “The heaviest rain is most likely over high ground, where some places may see 60-80mm. “Strong winds are also expected with 30-40mph gusts likely around exposed coasts and hills.” People are being warned to expect spray and flooding on roads and possible flooding in properties.


thedailyecho--2019-09-21--Weather warning for heavy rain on Sunday is issued

IT MIGHT be hard to believe with the current spell of sunny conditions – but a weather warning has been issued for heavy rain tomorrow, Sunday.  Met Office forecasters have issued a yellow warning, which covers all of Hampshire, for downpours between 12.15am and 8pm.  It follows highs of 22c today. Thousands have headed for the beach to make the most of the September sunshine. Forecasters say although some places will stay dry, heavy rain could cause localised flooding and travel disruption. It's possible that bus and train services will be affected, with some journey times taking longer. Motorists are also being warned of spray and flooding on roads, while lightning strikes could also cause problems to power supplies.


thedailyecho--2019-09-30--Yellow weather warning from Met Office for Hampshire

THE Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Hampshire as heavy rain could lead to flooding a difficult driving conditions tomorrow.  A warning has been put in place from 6am to 8pm tomorrow across South Wales and South England with thunderstorms forecast from 10am to 4pm.  The Met Office have also said there is a possible "danger to life" due to fast flowing or deep floodwater.  Travellers, particularly on Tuesday morning, should brace themselves for disruption.  Bus and train journeys could take longer, there could be flooding on roads, and homes and businesses could also be drenched in the downpour.  The warning states: "Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.  "Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services.  "There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.  "There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life.  "There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses."


thedailyecho--2019-10-13--Will it ever end? Glum forecast continues as weather warning is issued for tomorrow

FORECASTERS have issued a warning of heavy rain between 12noon and 11.59pm tomorrow.  The yellow warning – meaning 'be aware' – urges people to be wary of possible 'flooding and disruption'.  There is a small chance homes and businesses could flood, as well as that 'fast flowing or deep floodwater could cause a danger to life', according to the warning.  There may also be problems on the roads for drivers.  It comes after days of bleak autumnal weather. However, the forecast looks set to improve in the coming days, with some sunshine expected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Heavy rain and lightning is predicted on Friday.


thedailyecho--2019-10-14--Met Office issues torrential rain weather warning for Southampton

THE Met Office has issued a weather warning for torrential rain in Southampton.  The weather warning will be in place across Hampshire from midday until midnight today, with the heaviest downpours forecast between 1pm and 4pm, as well as at 6pm.  A Met Office statement is urging residents to be aware that homes and businesses could flood, while fast-flowing or deep floodwater could cause danger to life.  The statement says: “Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services  “Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures  “There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads  “There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses.“


thedailyecho--2019-11-18--Weather warning for freezing fog issued tomorrow

A WEATHER warning for freezing fog has been issued for tomorrow.  Forecasters have warned of dense fog between 4am and 11am as the temperature drops.  Some travel disruption is likely, the Met Office says.  There is also a possibility of delays or cancellations to flights.  Visibility is likely to drop to less than 100 metres in some places.  There'll be sunshine for parts of tomorrow, although it's likely to be overcast by the afternoon.  Temperatures won't rise above 12c for the rest of the week.


thedailyecho--2019-11-25--TWO weather warnings issued for this week as heavy rain sweeps in tomorrow

TWO weather warnings have been issued for this week, with forecasters predicting heavy rain on both Tuesday and Wednesday.  The warning will be in place between 6am tomorrow and 3pm on Wednesday.  Officials from the Met Office said there is a risk of flooding and travel disruption, with spray and flooding on roads likely to make journey times longer. Bus and train services could also be affected, while flooding of some homes and businesses is likely. The rest of the week is set to be more cheerful, with bright sunshine expected on both Friday and Sunday.


thedailyecho--2019-12-03--Weather warning: Dense fog expected across Hampshire tomorrow

A WEATHER warning has been issued for Hampshire tomorrow.  Experts are warning of dense fog across parts of the county, including Southampton, on Wednesday morning.  The Met Office say this may lead to some travel disruption across the area.  They warn of possible delays to bus and train services and a chance of delays or cancellations to flights.  The warning is in place from 4am tomorrow morning until 11am tomorrow.


thedailyecho--2019-12-17--Met Office issues rain weather warning for Southampton

THE Met Office has warned that homes and businesses are likely to be flooded as Hampshire gets set to be battered by three days of rain.  The forecaster has put a yellow rain weather warning in place from the beginning of Thursday until the end of Sunday.  Southampton, Lymington, Romsey, Eastleigh, Fareham and Gosport are all within the warning zone. The Met Office says spells of rain are likely to lead to travel disruption, flooding of businesses and home, bus and train journeys taking longer, and spray and flooding affecting drivers.


thedailyecho--2019-12-18--Five days of weather warnings for Hampshire ahead in run-up to Christmas

BRACE yourselves. Five days of weather warnings have been issued in the countdown to Christmas.  The Met Office has a series of warnings in place for Hampshire, which start from today.  A yellow warning for rain will be in force between 2pm today and midday on Friday for Southampton and the rest of the county.  The Met Office originally issued a warning for Hampshire which was to be in force from the beginning of Thursday until the end of Sunday but this now starts from today.  Most places will see between 30mm and 50mm of rainfall, but some places could see anywhere between 60mm and 90mm.  The Met Office warns heavy rain could lead to flooding for homes and businesses and travel disruption in places.  Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible, while power cuts could also occur.  A Met Office spokesperson said: “Several periods of heavy rain are likely from Wednesday afternoon until early Friday. 30 to 50 mm of rain is likely to accumulate quite widely during this time, with 60 to 90 mm over some south-facing hills of southwest England and south Wales.  They added: “Some drier periods are likely in between the spells of rain and the longevity of these is uncertain, but the overall accumulation of rain on saturated ground is likely to lead to flooding in places.”  Another warning will come into effect from midnight on Saturday until 11.59pm on Sunday.  The Met Office said while the amount of rainfall won’t be particularly large, up to 30mm could fall on already saturated ground making flooding more probable.


thedailyecho--2019-12-18--Met Office issues rain weather warning for Southampton


thedailyecho--2019-12-30--Fog weather warning issued across the south coast

MOTORISTS have been warned to expect travel disruption this evening with fog expected to spread across Hampshire.  The Met Office has issued a yellow warning from 5pm to 11.59pm.  The warning covers the whole of Hampshire as well as most of the south. Forecasters say people can expect slower journey times with delays to bus and train services possible, while there is a chance of delays or cancellations to flights.


thedailymirror--2019-11-13--UK weather forecast: Met Office issues severe weather warning for ice

The Met Office has issued an ice warning before temperatures plunge on one of the coldest nights of autumn.  Roads and pavements are expected to become slippery as heavy rain falls onto freezing surfaces in parts of Scotland, including Edinburgh and Aberdeen, from Wednesday night.  A couple of centimetres of snow could fall away from the coast across Aberdeenshire and Moray on a week when overnight temperatures have dropped to around -8C.  The Met Office said: "Scattered showers will affect much of the east coast of Scotland this evening and overnight, falling onto freezing surfaces.  "These will be heavy at times and will lead to a risk of icy surfaces where any treatment is washed off.  "Showers will be wintry above 200 metres away from the coast across Aberdeenshire and Moray, with 1-2cm of snow possible."  The ice warning is in place from 7pm on Wednesday to 10am on Thursday.  Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued a rain warning for parts of Wales and South West England.  Heavy rain will move in through the afternoon and evening and up to 30mm could fall within three or four hours.  Rain may turn to snow over higher routes in South Wales closer to midnight, with a few centimetres accumulating.  A separate rain warning will cover flood-ravaged towns between 9am on Thursday and 3am on Friday due to torrential downpours.  The East Midlands, South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are included in the warning.  The Met Office said: "A period of heavy and persistent rain is likely on Thursday, 10-20mm is likely fairly widely within the warning area and a few places may receive 35-45 mm which may lead to further flooding and disruption.  "The rain is expected to ease and clear to the north later on Thursday night."  As of Wednesday morning, 34 flood warnings were in place, mainly in Yorkshire and the Midlands.  PM accused of doing nothing to help victims  Prime Minister Boris Johnson was accused of doing nothing to help flood victims as he took a break from electioneering to visit one of the worst hit areas.  One resident in flood-hit Stainforth in South Yorkshire told Mr Johnson: "I'm not very happy about talking to you so, if you don't mind, I'll just mope on with what I'm doing."  The woman, clutching a wheelbarrow alongside the troops sent to the area to help, added: "You've not helped us up to press. I don't know what you're here today for."  Another told him: "You've took your time Boris, haven't you?", to which Mr Johnson replied: "We've been on it round the clock."  Speaking to reporters at the scene, Mr Johnson said: "I perfectly understand how people feel and you can understand the anguish a flood causes.  "The shock of seeing your property engulfed by water is huge and also the anxiety of what may still be to come and I do thank the emergency services for everything they are doing."  Mr Johnson arrived in the area as nearly 100 soldiers began assisting communities cut off by the flooding.  The Government has announced a relief fund with £500 available to each eligible household.  Showers over some northern and western coasts but many places dry with some sunny spells.  Southwestern parts seeing more widespread rain during the afternoon with some gusty winds, particularly near coasts.  Rain over south Wales, with hill snow possible here, and southern England.  Showers feeding onto north and east coasts of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.  Further rain for southern and southeast England, particularly southeast Wales and into Somerset, Bristol and Wiltshire.  Showers further north, mainly for coasts exposed to the strengthening northeasterly wind.  Friday, bright in the northwest with a few showers, but cloudier with more frequent showers towards the southeast.  Over the weekend showers becoming more isolated with many places dry.

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Chris Kitching, Dave Higgens, Henry Clare)


thedailymirror--2019-11-22--Schoolgirls 'forced to strip after being taken out in rain amid weather warning'

Young schoolgirls were forced to strip down to their underwear after they got muddy while playing outside in heavy rain, it is claimed.  Parents claim the primary school pupils took part in a Forest School session while other schools in Gloucestershire were closed due to flooded roads amid a Met Office rain warning.  An angry dad claimed to GloucestershireLive that his eight-year-old daughter and two other girls were forced to strip down to their underwear in an outside canopy area because staff didn't want mud inside the new £6million school.  He claims the Year 4 pupil was "freezing" and "chilled right through" as she stood outside in her knickers, and another parent said children were crying about being cold and wet.  The dad, whose child attends St White's Primary School in Cinderford in the Forest of Dean, said: “I do not understand why the children were doing Forest School in the first place because it was absolutely chucking it down.  “I support the idea that children benefit from being outdoors, building dens and climbing, but last Thursday we had some exceptional weather.  “Some of the children got very mucky and they told my daughter and two other little girls to get undressed outside because they did not want the mud in the classrooms.  “She had to remove her clothes down to her knickers, which were soaking wet, and then put her other clothes on top before she could come back in.  “It’s unbelievable that they could do that to an eight-year-old child.  "To make her stand outside shivering in her knickers is degrading.  "They did not consider her dignity and she was absolutely freezing and chilled right through.  "They seem to have put a clean carpet above my child’s wellbeing.”  The school's chairman of governors said the claims came from a "small number" of parents and are being investigated.  The incident is alleged to have happened while parts of England and Wales were under a Met Office rain warning on November 14.  Heavy rain in Gloucestershire left roads flooded and forced a number of schools to close.  The dad who spoke to GloucestershireLive said children should not have been taken outside to play that day due to the weather warning.  He said: “When we phoned the school to complain we were told it was part of the curriculum and the only time Forest Schools do not take place outside is if its thunder and lightning.  “They say it builds character and resilience but surely there’s a limit. We are talking eight-year-olds outside in exceptional weather.  “My daughter loved Forest School before, but this has put her right off it. If you asked a teacher to get undressed outside the classroom in torrential rain I wonder what their answer would be.”  Other parents complained the weather conditions were so bad that children were crying about being cold and wet.  The pupils were not given school waterproofs, they claim.  Another parent said: “Playing outside in nature and making dens may be educational but if the weather is so bad that it’s causing flooding and the kids are so cold and wet that they are crying, then it’s a bit ridiculous to carry on.  “I could not believe they made a few of the children undress outside.  “A lot of parents were not very happy about it. Telling them it’s all fine because the children had a cup of hot chocolate afterwards is not good enough.”  Forest School is intended to build students' confidence and self-esteem through activities in a woodland or natural environment with trees.  Activities can include den building or rolling down hills.  Matt Bishop, chairman of governors at St White’s Primary School said: “A small number of parents have made allegations about the school.  "Whilst we investigate these claims, we are unable to provide any further information until the investigation is complete.”


thedailyrecord--2019-01-16--Forecasters issue ice weather warning for East Ayrshire

The Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning for East Ayrshire.  Forecasters say that icy patches and wintry showers are expected to hit the area from this evening and into tomorrow morning.  The warning is in place for Wednesday, January 16 at 10pm until Thursday, January 17 at 11am.  The Met Office say that weather could result in some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces.  Forecasters have said that there may be some ice on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.  A Met Office spokesperson said: "Icy patches are expected to develop later Wednesday evening or overnight over southern Scotland and Northern Ireland and during the early hours of Thursday over England and and Wales.  "There will also be some wintry showers about, mainly over hills and mountains, but also to some lower levels at times, most likely in parts of Scotland and northern, eastern and central England.  "With the exception of high ground, most places will not see any snow settling."  Read more news from the Kilmarnock Standard


thedailyrecord--2019-01-16--Met Office issues yellow weather warning for snow and ice to hit Scotland tonight

A weather warning for snow and ice has been issued for Scotland by the Met Office.  The entire country could be blanketed in snow over the next 24 hours as a cold weather front looks set to hit.  High winds and icy conditions are also predicted to strike the country tonight.  The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice for northern parts of the country from noon today, till at least the same time tomorrow.  While southern parts, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, have a similar yellow warning in place from 10pm tonight till 11pm tomorrow evening.  Alongside the warnings the Met Office advised people that roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.  Gritters are already out across the country tonight in readiness for the mercury dropping below zero over the next few hours.  In a statement, the Met Office said: "Snow showers already affecting some parts, especially hills, will become more widespread later on Wednesday before slowly starting to become less frequent and less intense later on Thursday.  "The heaviest and most frequent snow will tend to be over hills and mountains as well as in northern coastal areas.  "Several centimetres of snow are expected over the Highlands and Grampians whilst at low levels snow cover will be smaller and patchier in nature with some places, especially coastal areas, seeing little lying snow.  "Conditions will also be windy and icy stretches are still expected where snow does not settle."


thedailyrecord--2019-01-17--Weather warnings for ice issued across Scotland as drivers brace themselves against plunging tempera

Weather warnings for ice issued across Scotland as drivers brace themselves against plunging temperatures

Commuters are facing snow and ice across the country as temperatures plunged overnight.  The Met Office has issued severe weather  alert for snow and ice in Scotland, as temperatures dipped below freezing throughout the country.  Scots are bracing themselves against the cold snap and a yellow warning remains in place for ice in central and southern Scotland until 11am today.  A further snow warning has been issued further north, but could affect those commuting into cities from areas on high ground.  The Met Office have forecast icy patches and wintry showers will batter some areas, warning that snow showers, with strong winds and icy conditions will make travelling difficult, especially over the hills and in northern coastal areas.  Commuters are being advised to give themselves extra time to get to work as roads and railways are likely to be affected with longer journey times by road, bus and train services.  Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: "Be aware that there's the potential for some icy conditions out on the roads.  "Make sure you give yourself a bit of extra time - you will probably need a little longer to scrape the car as well."  The North East Police division have warned of snow and icy conditions affecting routes in every area of the north east.  A spokesman said: "Please take care. In particular motorists are asked to avoid the A947 between Turriff and Old Meldrum at the moment and find an alternative albeit safe route as a number of vehicles are stuck.  "The A920 is also closed from the Huntly side to allow the recovery of HGVs stuck on the road.  "The junction of the B9103/ B9015 at Rothes is also blocked as a result of a jackknifed lorry.  We are receiving numerous calls in relation to other incidents in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray and our officers and partners are assisting as best as we can."


thedailyrecord--2019-01-21--Snow and ice weather warning issued as temperatures across Scotland set to plummet

Heavy snow is set to hit Scotland as forecasters warn of travel disruption across the country.  The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice with large parts of the country likely to be affected by the drop in temperature.  A warning for snow starts at 2pm today and runs until 11.59pm tonight, with around 10cm predicted to fall in some areas.  As a result of the snow it is expected transport will be affected in some places.  Forecasters have said there could be delays on roads and railways.  The yellow warning affects Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, the Highlands and Strathclyde.  A Met Office spokesperson said: "A band of rain with snow falling above around 300m is expected to move across Scotland on Monday afternoon and evening.  "1-3 cm of snow is likely above 300m with 10cm of snow above 500m. Temporary blizzard conditions are also likely with strong winds."  Tomorrow a warning for ice has been put in place for the entire mainland and the Western Isles.  The mercury is set to plummet from midnight until noon.  Rain, sleet and snow is expected to fall throughout the course of tomorrow.  A Met Office spokesperson added: "A band of rain and hill snow will move southeastwards across the UK during Monday evening and overnight.  "A brief spell of wet snow is possible on high ground of southern Scotland, northern England and north Wales, with some small accumulations possible.  "Behind this surface temperatures will rapidly fall away with some ice forming on some surfaces.  "Once the rain has cleared, some hail, sleet and snow showers will follow from the northwest, with 1-3 cm above 200 metres and some small accumulations expected at lower levels."  Simon Partridge, of the Met Office, added: "It's already picking up over the western Highlands and is most likely over the high grounds with guaranteed snow at 200-300 metres.  "For now, after the main band is cleared up by about 9/10pm, showers will follow, meaning sleet and snow will lap up on any snow already there.  "You're looking a potential case of nearly 10cm of snow in areas above 500m.  "Some snow could be seen on the lower levels, so it's not exclusively left to the high ground - but it could end up being rain, snow, rain.  "So, on and off there could be snow from now until the early hours of Wednesday for the west of Scotland, and the best part of 24 hours."  "The main problem is that skies become clear so there's an ice risk after midnight which could cause some big issues during the overnight period.  "There'll be further showers tomorrow with some hail and sleet along the coasts, on the hills and mountains you can see it turning into snow."


thedailyrecord--2019-01-22--East Kilbride commuters told to be careful as area issued yellow weather warning

Commuters are being told to be careful this morning (Tuesday) after the Met Office issued a yellow warning.  Weather experts say the area will see lowe temperatures throughout the day, with the risk of snow later.  And with a maximum temperature of four degrees and a suggestion of the mercury dipping to MINUS SEVEN overnight, it’s no wonder that the local authorities are already taking action.  Gritters have taken to roads across South Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire already this morning, but travel on the roads so far seems good.  ScotRail are reporting a ‘good service’ for East Kilbride rail commuters with no issues reported as of yet.  Below the East Kilbride News has all your other ‘need to knows’ about your Tuesday commute to work or on the school round.  Of course, the cold weather from has carried on into today, making for slippery and greasy conditions on the road.  Underfoot for anyone walking this morning – with road users being told to be wary of ice on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.  Motorists heading into the city on the M77 can expect some heavy traffic, with the Traffic Scotland website showing a number of congested areas.  They are reporting delays at the J2 and J3-4 slip roads, with traffic heavier at Newton Mearns, Barrhead and Darnley on ramps.  However, no significant issues have yet been identified.  The A726 Eaglesham bypass, leading to the M77 is, is currently operating as normal as is Redwood Drive and Queensway, leading onto the East Kilbride Expressway.  No delays or incidents are reported as of yet there.  On the M74, J6 (Raith) at Hamilton, the three lanes northbound are restricted indefinitely.  For those on the school-run or travelling in and around our towns, South Lanarkshire Council have closed Law Place in East Kilbride from unit No.9 and No.11 from January 7 till Friday, January 25.  Meanwhile Scottish Water works continue on Melbourne Avenue until February 28 – alternative route is via Westwood Road, The Murray Road and Westwood Hill.  If you’re aware of any road incidents, contact the EK News team on 01698 205 200, tag us on Facebook or Tweet us @EKilbrideNews.


thedailyrecord--2019-01-23--Met Office issue another weather warning as East Kilbride prepares for cold snap tonight

Here are your ‘need to knows’ about your from work this afternoon.  Road conditions are once again said to be icy, but despite the cold conditions no more snow is expected.  After lows of minus four this morning, it will be another frosty night in town with temperatures around the one degree mark, according to the Met Office.  Furthermore the Met Office have issued a weather warning which will run from 6pm tonight until 11am tomorrow (January 24).  This means commuters should be extra careful as there may be some ice on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths.  This could lead to longer journey times.  Traffic Scotland are also reporting that M8 traffic between junction 16 Craighall and junction 19 Anderston is slow for motorists leaving Glasgow.  On the trains, ScotRail are reporting a 'good' service at this stage.  On the M77 towards Glasgow there are no issues with traffic so far.  Meanwhile, those heading into the city using the M74 can expect a clear drive, with Traffic Scotland reporting no incidents at this stage.  Redwood Drive and Queensway, leading onto the East Kilbride Expressway is running as normal for peak times.  The A726 Eaglesham bypass, leading to the M77 is, is currently operating as normal as is Redwood Drive and Queensway, leading onto the East Kilbride Expressway.  No delays or incidents are reported as of yet there.  For those travelling in and around our towns, South Lanarkshire Council have closed Law Place in East Kilbride from unit No.9 and No.11 from January 7 till Friday, January 25.  If you’re aware of any road incidents, contact the EK News team on 01698 205 200, tag us on Facebook or Tweet us @EKilbrideNews.


thedailyrecord--2019-01-28--Weather warnings issued across Scotland as arctic freeze brings snow and ice

Weather warnings have been issued across the country as Scotland braces itself against plunging temperatures and snow blizzards.  The Met Office has issued yellow warnings of snow and ice for the south and west of Scotland, including Strathclyde, the Central belt, Tayside and Fife, the Highlands and Islands and Lothian and Borders.  Forecasters say temperatures will plummet and snow showers are expected across vast swathes of Scotland.  The Met is warning that icy roads and snow could lead to travel disruption during rush hour tomorrow and commuters are being asked to take extra care as the difficult conditions take hold.  The big freeze will set in overnight with the weather warning being put in place between 1am and noon tomorrow.  Snow cover of 1cm to 2cm is expected in many places which could rise to 5cm to 10 cm in higher areas as the cold front moves in.  A statement from the Met Office said: "Ice and snow expected across south and west Scotland later tonight and Tuesday morning."  They also warned drivers to take extra care on the roads and warned at that journey times could  Wednesday will see conditions improve but forecasters are still warning of bitterly cold conditions.  Most places will be mainly dry with some brightness and occasional sleet or snow showers, with the west of Scotland expected to face the worst.  After a very cold and frosty start, Thursday should be dry in many places with a maximum temperature of 2C.


thedailyrecord--2019-01-29--East Kilbride set for more snow and ice as Met Office issue overnight weather warning

Here are your ‘need to knows’ about your from work this afternoon.  More snow is on the way with a Met Office yellow weather warning issued. This will run until 11am on Wednesday January 30 at 11am.  There could also be a risk of slipping on icy surfaces as temperatures drop to minus one.  Commuters using the number six bus to and from Glasgow today should be aware that police have closed Polloshaws Road and Victoria Road as a result of a burst water pipe.  The popular route will be redirected along Gorbals Street before rejoining the usual route.  There is some good news for locals who use the bus service, as a potential delays to the 18 service between Glasgow and East Kilbride has been scrapped. The Elmbank Street closure has now been cancelled.  Despite the conditions, the train line between East Kilbride and Glasgow is still running a 'good' service with no delays, according to the latest Scotrail update.  On the M77 towards Glasgow there are no issues with traffic so far. The A726 Eaglesham bypass, leading to the M77 is, is currently operating as normal as is Redwood Drive and Queensway, leading onto the East Kilbride Expressway.  Meanwhile, those heading into the city using the M74 can expect a clear drive, with Traffic Scotland reporting no incidents at this stage.  Flurries of snow had impacted on areas of the M8, M74 and M77 this morning.  Redwood Drive and Queensway, leading onto the East Kilbride Expressway is running as normal for peak times.


thedailyrecord--2019-02-08--Met Office place yellow weather warning over Ayrshire as 70mph winds batter coast

Ayrshire has been put on weather alert with winds of up to 70mph battering the south west.  Gale force conditions are predicted to lash the coast until late tomorrow afternoon.  A yellow weather warning is in place from the Met Office for South and East Ayrshire until 3pm Saturday.  Forecasters have warned of delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport.  Meanwhile, delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges are also likely.  Some short term loss of power and other services is possible, forecasters added.  It is also likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be battered by large waves.