Sport

The landscape of women’s professional cycling is on the verge of a significant shift, with reports indicating that Red Bull is set to become a title sponsor of the FDJ United-SUEZ team. This potential partnership, first noted by Daniel Benson on his substack channel, could not only inject substantial financial backing into the French squad but also secure the long-term future of star rider Demi Vollering with the team. The move signals a growing investment in the sport by the energy drink giant, already heavily involved in men’s cycling and individual athlete sponsorships.

FDJ United-SUEZ has emerged as a leading force in the women’s peloton, and this sponsorship would provide a further boost to their ambitions. The team recently showcased its strength at Strade Bianche, securing a one-two finish with Elise Chabbey taking the win and Franzisca Koch in third place. Vollering, who has already claimed victories at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the overall title at Setmana Valenciana this season, is central to the team’s success and is expected to be a key beneficiary of the increased investment.

While officials at FDJ United-SUEZ have remained tight-lipped – team manager Stephen Delcourt offered a “no comment” when approached at Strade Bianche – multiple sources have confirmed the impending deal to Cyclingnews. A sighting of a FDJ United-SUEZ team car at Red Bull’s Austrian headquarters nearly a year ago suggests that discussions have been underway for some time. The sponsorship is anticipated to be finalized before this year’s Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, potentially elevating the team to “super team” status.

Red Bull’s Expanding Cycling Portfolio

Red Bull’s involvement in cycling extends beyond individual athlete sponsorships, which include prominent names like Wout van Aert, Remco Evenepoel, Tom Pidcock, Chloé Dygert, and Zoe Bäckstedt. In 2024, the company took a controlling stake in the men’s Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe team, significantly increasing its budget and competitive aspirations. This move suggests a strategic intent to replicate that success in the women’s peloton, providing FDJ United-SUEZ with the resources to challenge for major titles.

The potential sponsorship structure appears to be a collaborative one, with Red Bull expected to operate as a title sponsor alongside existing partners FDJ and SUEZ. Delcourt, who owns the French team, reportedly has no plans to relinquish control, ensuring continuity in the team’s management and direction. This approach differs from Red Bull’s complete takeover of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe.

Vollering’s Future Secured?

Demi Vollering’s arrival at FDJ United-SUEZ in 2025 was a pivotal moment for the team, and retaining her services is a top priority. Despite narrowly missing out on victory at the Tour de France in both 2024 and 2025, Vollering remains one of the most dominant riders in the sport. Her profile has also attracted sponsorships from Nike and Specialized. With her current contract expiring at the finish of the year, the Red Bull investment is expected to facilitate a new, long-term agreement, solidifying her position as team leader.

Delcourt has proven adept at building a competitive squad, attracting top talent and fostering a winning environment. He emphasized the importance of securing the team’s future, stating that they have spent the past five years “doing everything to become one of the best teams” and ended last season at the top of the UCI rankings. He also highlighted the ongoing discussions with sponsors regarding their commitment beyond 2028, emphasizing the need to grow and transform women’s cycling in terms of both performance and marketing.

SD Worx Also in the Running

While FDJ United-SUEZ appears to be the frontrunner, Red Bull reportedly explored a potential partnership with the SD Worx team as well. SD Worx CEO Erwin Janssen confirmed to Cyclingnews that there had been contact and talks with Red Bull, but indicated that the energy drink brand ultimately favored a French team. This suggests a strategic decision to invest in a team with a strong existing foundation and a clear vision for the future.

The arrival of Red Bull represents a significant moment for women’s cycling, signaling increased commercial interest and investment in the sport. The partnership with FDJ United-SUEZ has the potential to elevate the team to new heights, providing them with the resources to compete at the highest level and further develop the sport’s profile. The next few months will be crucial as the details of the sponsorship are finalized and the team prepares for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

What impact will Red Bull’s investment have on the competitive balance in women’s cycling? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Los Angeles Chargers fans can breathe a sigh of relief as nine-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Khalil Mack has agreed to a one-year contract to remain with the team, according to reports surfacing Saturday. The deal, worth $18 million fully guaranteed, ensures Mack will return for his 13th NFL season and a fifth year with the Chargers.

The agreement comes as the Chargers navigate changes following the departure of defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to the Baltimore Ravens. Retaining Mack provides a crucial element of continuity for new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary and signals the team’s continued commitment to a strong pass rush. The Chargers initially acquired Mack via trade from the Chicago Bears ahead of the 2022 season, and he has become a key component of their defensive strategy.

Mack, 35, reportedly considered retirement this offseason, but ultimately decided to return, a decision confirmed by ESPN’s Kris Rhim. Despite an elbow injury that limited his playing time in 2025, Mack still managed to contribute significantly, recording 5.5 sacks in 12 games. The injury sidelined him for five games and restricted his snap count for another six, yet he still amassed 32 tackles (six for loss), four forced fumbles, 11 quarterback hits, and a safety in 424 defensive snaps.

The Chargers’ decision to re-sign Mack comes as they also address other key free agency concerns, including the potential return of outside linebacker Odafe Oweh. The team reportedly would like to re-sign Oweh, who showed promise after being traded to the Chargers mid-season, but his projected contract – averaging $19.3 million per year over three years, totaling $58 million according to Spotrac – presents a financial challenge given the Chargers’ other roster needs.

The Chargers currently have roughly $95.7 million in free cap space after making several cuts, including Mekhi Becton, but must balance retaining key players with long-term financial planning, particularly with potential extensions for players like Tuli Tuipulotu on the horizon.

Mack’s presence on the field demonstrably impacts the Chargers’ run defense. When Mack was sidelined with his elbow injury, the Chargers allowed the sixth-most rushing yards in the NFL (579) over a four-week period. Though, upon his return through Week 18, they limited opponents to the fourth-fewest rushing yards (1,046).

Despite a decorated career, Mack has yet to secure a Super Bowl victory. His playoff record stands at 0-6, including a loss to the New England Patriots in the Wild Card round in January. He has publicly expressed his desire to win a championship, stating, “I want to ultimately be a champion.”

The Chargers will be looking for a healthier season from Mack in 2026, hoping he can replicate the Pro Bowl-level production he achieved in his first three seasons with the team. His continued presence provides stability and experience to a defense undergoing transition.

What’s next for the Chargers is navigating the complexities of free agency and ensuring a smooth transition under a new defensive coordinator. The team’s success in 2026 will likely hinge on their ability to retain key players like Mack and Oweh while effectively integrating new talent.

What are your thoughts on the Chargers re-signing Khalil Mack? Share your opinions in the comments below!

A remarkable feat of bowling has unfolded in New Zealand first-class cricket, as an unnamed bowler claimed five wickets in five consecutive deliveries. The stunning performance occurred during a recent match, leaving the batting side reeling and etching the bowler’s name into the record books. This unprecedented achievement marks the first time a bowler has accomplished this in first-class cricket history, showcasing an extraordinary display of skill and precision.

The bowler, playing for the Central Stags, triggered a dramatic collapse in the Northern Districts batting lineup. According to reports, the wickets fell at the end of the bowler’s second over and continued through the start of their third, reducing Northern Districts from a stable 4-0 to a precarious 9-5. The bowler’s initial burst of brilliance saw them claim five wickets for just two runs, a testament to the accuracy and effectiveness of their deliveries.

The bowler ultimately finished with impressive figures of 7-25, demonstrating sustained dominance throughout the innings. Reflecting on the incredible spell, the bowler stated, “It gets drummed into us a lot that we don’t want to move searching for wickets, so I was trying to just keep bowling the same ball, and our ‘Plan A’ that we’d talked about, and it came off.” They added, “I had no idea that it was the first time it [five wickets in five balls in first-class cricket] had happened in the world, it’s seriously cool. I mean, I don’t really have any words at the moment, to be honest. I’ll take it.”

A Rare Feat in All Formats of Cricket

Whereas this is the first instance of five wickets in five balls in first-class cricket, it isn’t entirely unprecedented in the broader world of the sport. In July 2025, Ireland international Curtis Campher achieved the same feat in a domestic Twenty20 match. Prior to that, Zimbabwe Women’s all-rounder Kelis Ndhlovu accomplished the rare dismissal in a domestic under-19 T20 game in 2024.

This latest display of bowling prowess underscores the unpredictable and captivating nature of cricket. The bowler’s ability to maintain composure and execute their plan under pressure resulted in a truly historic moment for New Zealand cricket. The Central Stags will undoubtedly appear to build on this momentum as the season progresses.

What’s Next for the Central Stags?

The Central Stags will continue their campaign in the first-class competition, aiming to secure a strong position in the standings. The team will be looking to replicate the success of this recent bowling performance and build a consistent run of victories. The focus will be on maintaining the same disciplined approach and executing their game plan effectively in upcoming matches. Fans will be eager to see how this remarkable achievement impacts the team’s overall performance and contributes to their pursuit of championship success.

What are your thoughts on this incredible bowling spell? Share your comments below and let us know what you think!

Cardiff Devils secured a 5-2 victory over the Belfast Giants on Saturday night in a fast-paced and eventful Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) match. The win showcased the Devils’ offensive firepower and resilience, overcoming a determined effort from the Giants at The SSE Arena. Ryan Barrow led the charge for Cardiff with two goals, while Cole Sanford also found the back of the net twice.

The game was characterized by momentum swings and a series of lead changes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. Both teams demonstrated skill and physicality, but the Devils’ ability to capitalize on key opportunities proved to be the difference. This result adds another layer to the competitive landscape of the 2024-25 EIHL season, where the Giants had previously held the season championship title.

Early Lead for Cardiff, Giants Respond

The Devils wasted no time establishing their presence, with Ryan Barrow scoring just 85 seconds into the game after a setup from Brett Ferguson. This early goal put the Giants on the back foot, but they quickly responded with pressure of their own. Jordan Kawaguchi had a scoring chance saved, and Karl Boudrias’ shot was blocked. Efforts from Brett Perlini and Josh MacDonald tested Jake Kupsky in the Giants’ net, but the Giants continued to push back. Gabe Bast’s shot from the blue line was blocked, and Gleason Fournier nearly scored, hitting the post. With just a minute remaining in the first period, Scott Conway leveled the score for Belfast, sending the teams into the first intermission tied at 1-1.

Back-and-Forth Action in the Second Period

The second period began cautiously, with a penalty to Cedric Fournier of the Devils providing an opportunity for the Giants. Mike Lee and Bast both tested Ben Bowns in goal, but the Devils successfully killed off the penalty. Cardiff then had a powerplay opportunity of their own after Carsen Twarynski was called for interference, but the Giants’ penalty kill unit held firm. Despite the defensive stands, the Devils regained the lead when Jimmy Oligny’s shot was tipped in by Barrow for his second goal of the night, making it 2-1. However, the Giants once again responded, with Ryan Smith scoring to tie the game at 2-2 before the end of the second period.

Devils Pull Away in the Third

The third period saw the Devils take control of the game. Cole Sanford broke the tie with a breakaway goal, putting Cardiff ahead 3-2. The Devils extended their lead further while on a powerplay, as Sanford scored his second goal of the night, making it 4-2. The Giants pushed hard to get back into the game, with Lee hitting the crossbar, but their efforts were thwarted. With the Giants pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, Josh MacDonald sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, finalizing the score at 5-2.

Belfast Giants 2-5 Cardiff Devils Saturday 7 March 2026

Looking Ahead

The Cardiff Devils and Belfast Giants will face off again today, Sunday, at 4 PM at The SSE Arena. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here. This rematch promises to be another exciting contest as both teams look to assert their dominance in the EIHL. The Devils will aim to build on their strong performance, while the Giants will be eager to avenge their loss and regain momentum.

What do you think the Giants need to do differently in today’s game to secure a win? Share your thoughts in the comments below!