Cycling

Title sponsor pulls away from succesful African team

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – The title sponsor of the African cycling team that made an impressive debut at the Tour de France said it is ending its agreement.

Despite praising the team’s performance, cellphone network MTN says its partnership with South Africa-based MTN-Qhubeka has “reached its conclusion.”

The announcement on Wednesday was a surprise after MTN-Qhubeka achieved a series of firsts at this month’s Tour, becoming the first African team in the Tour’s modern era and allowing two Eritreans riders to become the first from their country to ride at cycling’s top race.

One of the Eritreans, Daniel Teklehaimanot, became the first African to wear the polka dot jersey as leader of the mountains classification, and Stephen Cummings won a stage for the team.

Horse Racing

American Pharoah lights up Jersey Shore upon arrival

OCEANPORT, N.J. – Triple Crown winner American Pharoah received star treatment as he arrived to prepare for Sunday’s $1.75 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.

After landing at Atlantic City airport, racing’s biggest attraction was led off the plane then escorted by New Jersey State troopers for the final leg of the journey. The van he was loaded into was decked out like Taylor Swift’s tour bus with his name splashed across the side.

A cluster of reporters awaited him when the van pulled into the Monmouth barn area shortly after 4 p.m.

NFL

Berry works out with Chiefs for first time since cancer

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry returned to the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice field Wednesday just eight months after a cancer diagnosis threatened to derail his career.

Berry walked down the long hill from the locker room to the practice fields at Missouri Western State University, wearing his familiar No. 29 and with his helmet in hand. He stretched with rookies and select veterans then joined them when the workout began.

Berry was diagnosed with lymphoma in December, shortly after a mass was discovered in his chest following a game against Oakland.

Soccer

Michel Platini confirms he will run for FIFA president

NYON, Switzerland – Michel Platini said he will run in the election to succeed Sepp Blatter as FIFA president.

Platini, the UEFA president and a FIFA vice president, wrote to member federations in Europe saying he will stand and is counting on their support.

The FIFA election is Feb. 26, and would-be candidates must apply by Oct. 26.

Platini has for years been the obvious candidate to succeed Blatter, his mentor in FIFA politics. But a rift between the long-time allies deepened when Blatter broke a promise to leave office in 2015.

Tennis

Federer bids au revoir to Rogers Cup without reason

MONTREAL – The Rogers Cup said Roger Federer pulled out of next month’s hard-court tournament.

The tournament director announced the withdrawal of 17-time major champion Federer on Wednesday without citing a reason.

Federer has not competed since losing to Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final on July 12.

Federer, who turns 34 on Aug. 8, won the Rogers Cup twice, in 2004 and 2006.

Play begins Aug. 10.

It is a tuneup event ahead of the U.S. Open, the year’s last Grand Slam tournament, which starts Aug. 31 in New York.

Associated Press