Cycling
Women finally get their due at the Tour de France
PARIS – Finally, the Tour de France is giving women a more visible role than just congratulating the male riders during cycling’s marquee event.
On July 27, the race will stage “La Course by Le Tour de France” – a one-day women’s race that will take place just hours before Tour riders race on the same circuit to finish the three-week event on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
The International Cycling Union announced the event Saturday as part of its 2014 racing calendar. The Amaury Sport Organization, which organizes the Tour, said it aims to make the women’s competition “one of the most decisive races of the season.”
NBA
Pacers sign big man Bynum for the rest of season
INDIANAPOLIS – The Eastern Conference’s top team just got more imposing.
On Saturday, the Pacers added size and scoring punch to their roster by signing mercurial free agent center Andrew Bynum for the rest of the season.
After the Lakers traded Bynum – 7-1, 285 pounds – to Philadelphia in 2012, he missed the entire season because of knee injuries.
This season, after signing with Cleveland as a free agent, he played in only 24 games before he was suspended indefinitely for conduct detrimental to the team. He eventually was dealt to Chicago, which quickly released Bynum so it didn’t have to guarantee the remaining $6 million owed to him this season.
NFL
Guy gets the call to the Hall; voters punt on Dungy
NEW YORK – Ray Guy is the first punter elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Joining the long-time Oakland Raider were two first-time eligible players, linebacker Derrick Brooks and offensive tackle Walter Jones.
The class of 2014 also included receiver Andre Reed, defensive end Michael Strahan, defensive back Aeneas Williams and defensive end Claude Humphrey, who, like Guy, was a senior selection.
Among the finalists who didn’t get in were two with ties to the Indianapolis Colts and current Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning – coach Tony Dungy and receiver Marvin Harrison.
Induction will be Aug. 1 in Canton, Ohio.
Soccer
Wondolowski scores twice as USA defeats South Korea
CARSON, Calif. – Chris Wondolowski scored two goals in the United States’ 2-0 friendly victory over South Korea on Saturday in its first exhibition of the World Cup year.
Wondolowski strengthened his case for inclusion on the roster in Brazil with his sixth and seventh goals in his last eight appearances for the U.S. team, which was missing several top players.
The Americans’ patchwork lineup handled South Korea’s offensive pressure to win its 13th consecutive home match.
Canadian-born Leroux leads U.S. to victory over Canada
FRISCO, Texas – Sydney Leroux scored in the 77th minute, and the U.S. women’s soccer team earned a 1-0 victory Friday night.
The Americans extended their home unbeaten streak to 78 games (67-0-10).
Leroux, a Canadian-born U.S. citizen, broke the deadlock with a left-footed finish 3 yards out after a Becky Sauerbrunn pass got through two defenders and goalkeeper Erin McLeod inside the 6-yard box.
Tennis
Bryans win doubles to keep U.S. alive in Davis Cup
SAN DIEGO – Bob and Mike Bryan beat Dominic Inglot and Colin Fleming 6-2, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 on Saturday to pull the United States to 2-1 against Britain in the first round of the Davis Cup.
The match will be decided Sunday in reverse singles, when Wimbledon winner Andy Murray of Britain will play Sam Querrey and James Ward of Britain will play Donald Young.
Associated Press
