Pogacar sweeps the 14th stage and takes his fifth Tour

Alonso’s dilemma

Fernando Alonso has put on the table a condition to continue in Formula 1: that the cars be fun to drive again. The two-time champion, who will turn 45 next week, signed a contract extension “for several years” in 2024 and assures that he has a link with Aston Martin until 2027.

However, its future is not guaranteed. Alonso and the British team have suffered with a slow and unreliable car, the first designed under the direction of Adrian Newey. So far, the only point of the season was achieved in Monaco.

“For me, I am calm. As I have said many times, I am thinking. I need to know what I do next year and in the following years. I feel fresh, I feel motivated, I feel fast, but I also need to enjoy what I do,” he declared before the Hungarian GP.

Alonso was critical of recent races in Britain and Belgium, where cars ran out of battery power on long straights. “I think it’s not fun to watch, it’s not fun to drive, and we’ve been repeating the same thing every Grand Prix,” he said. “It’s not the same adrenaline I used to get driving a Formula 1 car. That’s something I need to put on the table. It’s simply a question of whether F1 gives me the adrenaline I need to live.”

Aston Martin will bring a significant package of improvements to Hungary, a slow and twisty circuit that could compensate for the lack of power. Additionally, an engine upgrade from Honda is expected later. Alonso is confident that Newey and Honda will deliver a winning car. “I think I have a pretty clear picture of the team, that we are going to solve all the problems. They take time, but I have no doubts, zero doubts, that Adrian will provide the best car on the grid sooner or later,” he said. “I would like to see the first step with this package… and I think there will be more to come next year, that’s for sure, and in the years after.”

Alonso’s decision will depend on whether F1 brings back the emotion behind the wheel. For now, the Spaniard awaits improvements and analyzes his future.

Richard Carapaz once again demonstrated his intelligence in the mountains. The 33-year-old Ecuadorian calculated the exact moment to launch his offensive on the final climb and took victory in the 18th stage of the Tour de France. Tadej Pogacar, meanwhile, arrived minutes later and easily maintained his wide lead in the overall standings.

It was Carapaz’s first victory in this edition and the second of his career in the French round. Pogacar did not try to chase him because the South American does not represent a threat to the general classification – he is in tenth.

“This is a wonderful victory. I dedicate it to my family,” said Carapaz, whose mother died earlier this year.

The attack occurred about 3 kilometers from the summit. Carapaz went alone, patted his head as he approached the finish line and crossed the line 45 seconds ahead of the Swiss Mauro Schmid and the American Matteo Jorgenson.

No changes at the top

Pogacar, who is seeking his fifth overall title and third in a row, arrived within a large group that included Remco Evenepoel and the Mexican Isaac Del Toro, the Slovenian’s teammate at the UAE Emirates. The classification did not move: Pogacar leads with 4:32 over Evenepoel and 6:51 over Del Toro, 22 years old, third.

The 185-kilometre stage included the early climb of the Côte d’Engins (category 1) and the final climb to the Orcières-Merlette station, also first class. Carapaz almost collided with a fan on the route, but dodged in time.

“The level of the breakaway was very high, but when I set a goal between my eyebrows I go for it. My running style is like that, aggressive. I don’t hold anything back,” said the Ecuadorian.

What’s coming: Alpine hell

Friday’s 19th stage ends with the legendary ascent of Alpe d’Huez, a special category, over 127.9 kilometers. The penultimate day on Saturday includes three special category climbs – Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Galibier and Col de Sarenne – plus one first class. The Tour concludes on Sunday on the Champs Elysees in Paris.

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper announced an additional $500 million investment in renovations to Bank of America Stadium. The goal: position Charlotte as the venue for major events such as the Super Bowl, the NFL draft or the 2031 Women’s World Cup.

The new injection brings the total cost of the project to 1.3 billion dollars. Construction is expected to be completed in 2030. The expansion coincides with a long-term naming rights agreement with Bank of America.

A sports and entertainment corridor

Plans include a 4,400-seat music venue, part of the so-called “Charlotte Corridor.” The idea is to create a weekend destination all year round.

“Our goal is to create experiences that enhance the passion and energy of the region,” Tepper said in a statement.

The 30-year-old stadium is home to the Panthers and Charlotte FC of the MLS. It also hosts the ACC championship, Duke’s Mayo Bowl and concerts.

Super Bowl in Charlotte?

Kristi Coleman, team president, was direct: “We would love to get a Super Bowl. Projects like this help your resume.”

But he acknowledged that it is not automatic: “Does this guarantee a Super Bowl? No. Does it help? Yes.” Factors such as hotel infrastructure also count.

Private financing

Additional renovations are paid for without public funds. Tepper Sports & Entertainment covers overage costs and maintenance. In 2024, the city contributed 650 million and TSE added 150 million, with an original cost of 800 million.

The new designs feature expanded indoor-outdoor spaces, a social patio on the 500 level overlooking downtown, and larger, more dynamic screens.