Michael Stokoe

When will Team Sky end their self-inflicted nightmare?

The last 18 months for Team Sky have been tragic for all the wrong reasons. They’ve quite rightly been in the firing line because of some questionable decisions. But this morning’s latest news adds yet another miry complexion on a team that should be at breaking point.

Matt Lawton from the Daily Mail understands that an investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC) into one of the main…

After seeing today’s news regarding Chris Froome and his efforts to avoid a ban after producing an adverse drug test at the Vuelta a Espana last summer, I couldn’t resist in sharing my thoughts on the latest and some might say farcical turn of events.

If you’re behind on the Froome story, firstly where have you been! Secondly, and more importantly I’ll bring you up to speed.

At the Tour of Spain…

The adventure begins – Hastings half marathon training

These weekly features are going to be a little bit different to what I normally write home about. It’s still sport related I guess, but instead of grilling Team Sky’s questionable ethics over the course of the coming cycling season (that will still happen, but just not in these articles…) I hope these weekly features will be a lot less sombre and far more entertaining!

For those that don’t know –…

Chris Froome, a four-time Tour de France winner and also the first English rider to win the Vuelta a Espana – and let’s not forget arguably the greatest British cyclist is currently facing a battle to save his reputation.

Why is that you might ask?

Froome returned an ‘adverse’ test result for Salbutamol, a drug that helps with asthma at this year’s Vuelta. A race he won pretty convincingly ahead…

Jon Jones’ latest wrongdoing will threaten to curtail his career once and for all

If anyone follows the Ultimate Figthing Championship (UFC) Jon Jones should be a name that stands out.

You should recognise him for being one of the dominant light heavyweight champions of his generation. Some might remember Jones for being a dominate fighter who beat the likes of Alexander Gustafsson. Who beat Glover Teixiera, and who beat his arch rival Daniel Cormier, not once but twice. But…

Conor McGregor’s quest for global superstardom has reached fever pitch

It’s been an explosive road but UFC’s undisputed king Conor McGregor is focused as his quest for combat superstardom is reaching that all important pivotal juncture.

The eagerly anticipated bout against Floyd Mayweather, arguably the greatest boxer to ever step foot in the squared circle is just 9 days away. With fans already heavily invested, the T-mobile arena in Las Vegas could well be the…

AEGON International day 9 recap: Pliskova and Djokovic win their first titles in Eastbourne

Karolina Pliskova and Novak Djokovic both produced stunning performances as they both won their first Eastbourne titles on centre court.

After a week which saw plenty of drama in the end it was Pliskova who triumphed in the women’s final, whilst Djokovic continued his good form heading into Wimbledon as he beat Gael Monfils rather comfortably.

In the first final of the day Pliskova got the better…

AEGON International day 8 recap: Konta pulls out with injury, but Djokovic, Wozniacki and Monfils all book spots in the final

Johanna Konta’s withdrawal from the AEGON International was the big news of the day as the British no;.1 had to pull-out of her semi-final match against Karolina Pliskova due to injury.

For Konta, the ideal day would have surely been with her hands aloft, celebrating a victory over the world no. 3 Pliskova and in the process booking a spot in the final. But professional sport can be sad at times,…

Heather Watson upbeat despite losing in the semi-final

Heather Watson says she was ‘pretty disappointed’ as she lost her semi-final match at Eastbourne to Caroline Wozniacki 2-6, 6-3, 5-7.

After coming through two matches yesterday in which she beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Barbora Strycova; her match against Wozniacki was set to be an entertaining tussle between a pair that has had a terrific week on the courts of Devonshire Park.

But it was the…

Konta says the most important thing is her health after pulling out of Eastbourne

Johanna Konta had to pull out of her hometown tournament this morning after sustaining a thoracic spine injury after her fall on Thursday against Angelique Kerber.

Konta was due to play Karolina Pliskova in a re-run of last year’s semi-final, but it wasn’t to be as the British no.1 had to pull out of Eastbourne with Wimbledon on the horizon.

“I think most importantly for me right now is just to…

AEGON International day 7 recap: Konta and Watson both through to semi-finals

Day seven served up another jammed packed day of tennis as both Heather Watson and Johanna Konta advanced to the semi-finals of the AEGON International after a gruelling day which saw them both play twice.

But in their semi-final matches they overcame Barbora Strycova and Angelique Kerber respectively as their pre-Wimbledon warm-up is going to plan. But for the Brit no.1 Konta, she had to…

Djokovic was pleased to get some time on court as he beat Pospisil

Novak Djokovic says not being one of the favourites heading into Wimbledon ‘releases a bit of pressure’ as the world no.4 won on his debut at Eastbourne on Wednesday.

Djokovic beat Canadian, Vasek Pospisil 6-4, 6-3 on centre court in what was a solid opening match for the Serbian as he looks to build up towards Wimbledon.

For many of the players it’s just about getting as much time on the grass…

AEGON International day six recap: Djokovic, Kerber and Konta all progress to next round

Novak Djokovic, Angelique Kerber and Johanna Konta all booked spots in the next round of the AEGON International as day six served up a thrilling day of tennis action.

Because of the rain decimating play on Tuesday, the schedule did see some players facing the prospect of playing twice in what was going to be an action packed day. But rain set in again towards the end of the day which resulted in…

AEGON International day five recap: Rain decimates day as only 8 minutes of tennis was played

Day five was supposed to be a packed day of tennis with the eagerly anticipated debut of Novak Djokovic on centre court.

But what transpired was a day of unrelenting rain which meant only 8 minutes of tennis was played.

Richard Gasquet and Sam Querrey were also due to begin their Eastbourne tournaments today, but the Eastbourne rain never let up as the day’s action was finally cancelled at 5pm…

Karolina Pliskova is feeling confident with Wimbledon around the corner

After beating American Alison Riske in straight sets on Monday the world no.3 Karolina Pliskova feels her performances on clay and grass can give her confidence heading into Wimbledon.

Speaking after her win over Riske, the 25-year-old said: “I think I felt so good today. Even though it was first match, I felt so free, and so that’s what I want, to just feel like this every match.”

The Czech…

Jo Konta says she is feeling good before gracing her hometown tournament once again

Hometown girl Jo Konta is looking to ‘maximise’ her time in each tournament as she builds up to a tilt at Wimbledon this year.

The British no.1 will fly the flag as Britain’s main hope in the women’s draw at Wimbledon this year. But speaking to the media on Monday, Konta is keeping her expectations for the upcoming Championship close to her chest, saying: “My only expectations are of myself, and…

Angelique Kerber admits finding the ‘extra motivation’ has been tough this year as the German has struggled for form

The world no.1 Angelique Kerber hasn’t had the best of years as the heightened expectations of being the world’s best has meant a slight downturn in results.

But the German says ‘it’s not a big deal’ as she looks to perform well in Eastbourne before the biggest Grand Slam of the year, Wimbledon.

But as Wimbledon looms, the 29-year-old feels she is ready to put the tricky year behind her and…