General Sports 3 Days

Last updated: May 21, 2026, 2:53 PM ET

Cycling: Giro d'Italia stages shake up the race

The Giro d'Italia produced three dramatic stages in quick succession that reshaped the overall standings. Belgium's Alec Segaert claimed his first Grand Tour stage on the mountainous penultimate climb, crossing the line ahead of his Bahrain-Victorious teammate Afonso Eulalio, who clung to the pink jersey. Just a day earlier, Italy's Filippo Ganna dominated the stage 10 time trial with a margin of nearly two minutes, yet the result still wasn't enough to wrest the leader's jersey from Eulalio. Ecuador's Jhonatan Narvaez extended his team's remarkable run by winning stage, keeping Eulalio's lead intact through a punishing alpine sequence. The trio of stage wins in as many days has turned the Giro into one of the most compelling races of the season, with Eulalio's defense looking increasingly vulnerable as the final week approaches.

Tennis: French Open draw and prize money row

The French Open's opening round drew immediate controversy as top seed Jannik Sinner was paired with French wild card Clement Tabur, meaning the world No. 1 will start without home crowd support. Across the draw, Emma Raducanu faces Argentine clay specialist Solano Sierra in a first-round test that could expose her movement on the surface. Britain's Toby Samuel earned his first Grand Slam main draw spot after defeating David Goffin in qualifying, one win away from a breakthrough that would make him the first British male qualifier from the French Open in years. Meanwhile, prize money dominated pre-tournament chatter as Amelie Mauresmo ruled out any increase despite player complaints about revenue share, prompting the world's leading players to plan 15-minute media limits in protest. Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell secured one of the final nine qualification spots for Shinnecock Hills, while Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 champion, marked the passage of more than 2,300 days since her last title in a reflection on her career arc.

Ulster Rugby: Final preparations and personnel

Ulster head into Friday's Challenge Cup final against Montpellier with a potent lineup bolstered by the return of fit-again winger Robert Baloucoune starting his first match since recovery. Centre James Hume said the squad is embracing the chance to make history, while prop Angus Bell called it a "huge honour" to chase a first Ulster trophy in 20 years. Head coach Richie Murphy demanded his players fight with everything they have got, a message echoed by Billy Vunipola on the Montpellier side, who discussed doubts, trophies and turning down Tonga. Four key absentees — Iain Henderson, Stuart McCloskey, Rob Herring and Jacob Stockdale — will miss the final but still have a role to play from the sidelines. Ulster also confirmed the appointment of former New Zealand international Clarke Dermody as forwards coach, adding coaching depth ahead of the biggest match in the province's recent memory.

NASCAR and Indy 500: Illness, Hall of Fame and viral spectacle

NASCAR's weekend was reshaped by medical setbacks and milestone recognitions. Kyle Busch was hospitalized with a severe illness and will miss Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. On Tuesday, Kevin Harvick was voted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, capping a career that began under difficult circumstances and now includes a prominent role in broadcasting. At the Indianapolis, Caitlin Clark was named Grand Marshal for the 110th running, while Alexander Rossi was taken to hospital after a practice crash. The weekend's lighter moment came from the "Wienie," a viral hot dog eating event described as the Greatest Viral Sensation in Racing that precedes the main event. Joey Chestnut, the 17-time Nathan's champion, will defend his title while on probation after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor.

Combat Sports: New leagues, bans and records

The MMA world is seeing significant churn. Former Bellator boss Scott Coker announced plans for a new fight league targeting global brand status, while Most Valuable Promotions banned Claressa Shields from all future events following a physical altercation with Alycia Baumgardner. Ronda Rousey's return to the cage generated 17 million viewers on Netflix, a record for an MMA broadcast, and MVP MMA now plans to continue its venture with a possible second card this year. Scott Coker's league ambitions and MVP's expansion suggest a crowded field as the sport moves into a new promotional era.

College Sports: Recruiting, transfers and conference realignment

The college athletics calendar is thick with roster moves and administrative decisions. The University of Georgia men's basketball program received a $10 million donation from the founder of a major daily fantasy sports company. Former LSU coach Ed Orgeron returned as a special assistant to Lane Kiffin, while Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby filed for an injunction seeking 2026 eligibility. Former St. John's star RJ Luis committed to LSU but faces an eligibility question after spending the season on two-way contracts. In baseball, Kansas turned to the juco ranks to build a top program, and Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. kept his name in the NBA draft. Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti defended a 24-team College Football Playoff and made clear the league has no interest in a 16-team model. USC coach Lincoln Riley reaffirmed his championship timeline, saying "the time is now." Meanwhile, the Pac-12 and Mountain West reached a settlement in principle on their legal dispute, and the NAACP launched a boycott campaign targeting public universities over voting restrictions.

NBA: Playoffs, injuries and draft fallout

The NBA playoffs delivered a marquee performance when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points to level the series as Oklahoma City Thunder beat the San Antonio Spurs. Chicago Sky forward Rickea Jackson tore her ACL and will miss the rest of the season, a blow to a team that has climbed into the top five in the power rankings. The conference finals are now set, with the Cavaliers closing out the Pistons in the East. On the women's side, Nneka Ogwumike returned to the Los Angeles Sparks looking to lead them to the playoffs after helping negotiate a new CBA.

Cricket: T20 Blast, England triumph and IPL drama

The T20 Blast returned on Friday with wall-to-wall sunshine across England, setting a festive tone for the domestic season. Alice Capsey hit unbeaten 74 as Lauren Bell took 2 for, powering England to a seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening T20. In the IPL, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed 93 off 38 balls as Rajasthan Royals beat Lucknow Super Giants. Scotland, meanwhile, suffered a heavy ODI defeat to