Laurent Fignon Died

Laurent Fignon, a Frenchman who has twice won the Tour de France, but who was defeated by his rival American Greg LeMond in one of the most electrifying editions of the race, died Tuesday after a battle with cancer. He was 50 years.

Fignon, who had worked as a television commentator for the state broadcaster France 2 television over the past five years, announced last June that he had advanced cancer in the digestive system and was undergoing chemotherapy. France 2 TV reported his death on Tuesday.

The titanic struggle between Fignon and LeMond in the 1989 Tour de France victory was the narrowest margin in history, eight seconds, the most famous cycling competition in the world.

"It was a great champion who used a combination of talent and desire to win the Tour de France twice," he said on Tuesday Lappartient AP David, president of the French Cycling Federation. "He had an iron will and was also a very intelligent man."

Laurent Fignon Center, a sports and activities in the Pyrenees, could not be reached for comment.

"He was quite a character, with and without the bike," said Marc Madiot, a former teammate of Fignon and Team Francaise des Jeux. "I take my hat off to him."

Born August 12, 1960, the blonde rider stood out in sports as a child and chose to ride a bike because his friends did - initially against the wishes of their parents, who did not like the fact that racing fans Sundays were the day devoted to family activities.

"It was a special man for me, for cycling and for France, Laurent, you will be missed," said Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour de France in a statement. The cyclist, who has battled cancer, Fignon called "dear brother" and a "legendary cyclist."

Nicolas Sarkozy, French president and cycling fan, said Fignon had been "an amazing and exceptional champion who left an indelible mark on the history of the Tour de France and French cycling."

Fignon won the Tour in his first attempt in 1983, just his second year as a pro, taking the opportunity presented by the absence of four-time winner and defending champion Bernard Hinault. He also won in 1984. (DIARIO LIBRE)

Colombian Valencia Signed With Portimense

The Portimonense, club newly promoted to the First Division Lusa, announced the signings of Colombian defender Carlos Valencia, from the Sportivo Luqueno of Paraguay and the Brazilian defender Pedro Silva (ex-Sporting).

Valencia, 21 and River Plate's youth squad, has signed a contract for two seasons and played for Dijon and French and Argentine club Estudiantes y Godoy Cruz.

According to officials of Portimonense, the versatile player is characterized by its "speed, ease of passage and the end zone with the ball under control to the area."

For its part, the Brazilian Pedro Silva, who at 28 years and has played in the International, Corinthians and Santos, among others, will be on loan from Sporting Lisbon to the Algarve team until the end of this course.

Disputed three-day championship, the Portimonense equipment, the southern city of Portimao in the Algarve region, scores a point and occupies the penultimate position.

Cuban Chapman Will Pitch with Cinci

The Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman will be added to the bullpen for the Cincinnati Reds to help them in their quest for a playoff spot.

The Reds plan to call for minor league left-handed fastball pitcher before Tuesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

The leaders of the Central Division of the National League displayed to the player 22 years as a starter later in his career. The team sent to Chapman to work as a reliever the team of Triple A Louisville in class because they had many starters, but they thought that the launch of 103 might help in the bullpen in Cincinnati.

Chapman signed in January a six-year contract for 30.25 million dollars. He had mixed results as a starter at Louisville, with an average mark of 5-5 and ERA of 5.11 in 13 games. As a reliever is 4-1 with PCLA record of 2.40 in 26 appearances, striking out 49 opponents in 30 innings. (ESPN DEPORTES)

Tetelo Vargas Stadium Need Maintenance

A technical inspection carried out by major league stadium Tetelo Vargas of San Pedro de Macoris, resulted in the current situation of the facility does not meet the minimum requirements for the next tournament Dominican winter.

According to the report of Major League Baseball in the Tetelo Vargas there are large differences existing in the field of play and we need to replant the gardens, as well as removing the environment of the batter's box.

The president of the Estrellas, Jose Mallen, said filter also some waste being dumped into the field, mainly in the gardens, which requires urgent repair. He also said that the visitors' clubhouse is leaking diverse. (EL DIA)

Republicans Awarded Pujols

Dominican baseball player Albert Pujols said he was honored after receiving an award for his charitable works for a right-wing political rally in Washington. The star of the St. Louis Cardinals said he thanks God for giving her the opportunity to have a successful career for another type of work. Pujols has a foundation that helps people are Down Syndrome and also helps the poor in his native Dominican Republic.

The Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said that Pujols is a real life hero for his commitment to his family, his faith and his community.

La Russa and Pujols took part Saturday in a right-wing political rally Glenn Beck.

Trezeguet Will Play with Hercules

The Hercules expected to arrive Sunday to Alicante French striker David Trezeguet, who, if signed by the Spanish club, will become the ninth team to address strengthening the 2010-11 season.

Alicante club sources pointed out that Trezeguet will to close its incorporation, with which it has already reached an agreement to play the next two seasons.

Trezeguet is split on Saturday Juventus, which has been his team for the past ten years and he scored 171 goals in 320 games and won two league titles and two Italian Super Cup.

For Trezeguet confirmed the signing of the Hercules, the team coached by Esteban Vigo your staff to incorporate a world champion in 1998 and Europe in 2000 with the French.

The French striker has 32 years and is married to Alicante, which could influence his decision to call at the Hercules and discard other offers he had on the table.

Antonio Caliendo, Trezeguet representative, has spent two days in Alicante to negotiate his departure by signing and assure that they were very optimistic about the possibility that the player signed by the Hercules.

Chicago Claimed Manny

Manny Ramirez could soon be back on familiar territory: a divisional race in the American League.

Chicago White Sox received waivers for the rights of Caribbean slugger, which give them exclusive authorization to negotiate with him, told The Associated Press a person briefed on the situation.

As there has been no official announcement, the person asked not to be identified.

The White Sox and the Dodgers have until 1:30 Tuesday afternoon (EST, 1730 GMT) to arrange the transfer. The Dodgers also could leave free to Ramirez for the White Sox to take over his salary. Another option would retain, if they believe they can still compete for a playoff spot.

The Dodgers came from three-game sweep in Milwaukee on Friday and were trailing by five games in the battle for the National League wild card. They played night against the Colorado Rockies.

Ramirez, 38, surely would be the designated hitter for Chicago.

Zlatan Out of Barsa

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to Serie A to play for Milan after the Rossoneri club Barcelona agreed to loan free of charge, with a purchase option at the end of the season for 24 million euros ($ 30.5 million) , announced the teams on Saturday.

"Milan is one of the best clubs in the world for its campus and the tradition that has," Ibrahimovic told the Italian press. "With (Alexandre) Pato and Ronaldinho have a great attack. I believe that Milan fans will love having us to stage three. "

The arrival of the ram, which already was active in the local arch-rivals Inter Milan and Juventus, could have a big impact in the fight for the scudetto.

The Swede joined the Spanish champions last season in an operation in which the interest was 46 million euros (66 million) and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o. Ibrahimovic scored 21 goals for the Catalans club in various competitions, but struggled to fit into the team's attack system of Pep Guardiola.

Table Catalan stated on his website that "when you run the option, the whole operation will cost savings for FC Barcelona of approximately 60 million euros."

Milan striker said he would undergo medical examinations on Monday, then sign a contract for four years. Rossoneri President and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi visited the campus on Saturday to inform himself of the arrival of Ibrahimovic and in the presence of the other players, spoke by telephone with the striker. Then, he left by helicopter.

Milan started the season on Sunday against promoted Lecce. Until the announcement, Inter, winners of the last five editions of the Serie A, was considered the heavy favorite to win the title again. However, Milan will try to dethrone him.

Ibrahimovic said he was not worried about what may be said Inter supporters. "I do not think they are worried about me, taking into account all that won," he said.

"This situation was created in Barcelona gave me a lot of adrenaline and now my dream is to win everything with Milan." The purchase will be the most expensive in Milan since 2005 acquired Alberto Gilardino from Parma for the same price.

Milan has three major front and Brazilian Marco Borriello Pato and Ronaldinho, as well as veteran substitute Filippo Inzaghi and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, but coach Massimiliano Allegri said he was not worried about having many options in attack.

"Ibrahimovic is a champion and champions the more we will be easier to win games," said the helmsman. "We have one of the best attacks in Europe." 28 year old striker began his career with Malmo in Sweden before moving to Ajax.

He came to Juventus in 2004 and won two Serie A titles, but both were erased by the match-fixing scandal that shook Italian football in 2006. That year, with Juventus in Serie B, Inter Ibrahimovic went and won three consecutive titles in Italy before leaving Barcelona.

Mascherano signed with Barsa

The further strengthening of FC Barcelona, Argentina's Javier Mascherano will sign the contract tomorrow as new Barca player and will be presented to society at the Camp Nou at 19:00 hours, provided that medical tests prove favorable, it has a source confirmed to EFE the Catalan club.

The player arrived Saturday in Barcelona after the Catalan organization and Liverpool shut early agreement on the Argentine midfielder will sign for four seasons in exchange for a transfer of 22 million euros.

Javier Mascherano is in Barcelona and tomorrow is cited at 8:00 pm in the Hospital de Barcelona, where he will undergo an initial health check, while the second phase will be at 11:00 hours approximately when it will be treated at the center Nou Camp physician.

If all tests are successful, the player will be aimed at the offices of the Camp Nou at 18:00 to sign the contract with the club president, Sandro Rosell.

Minutes later the player will jump to the Nou Camp turf to submit to a photo shoot and finally, at 19:00, Mascherano will be presented to reporters in the room Paris in a ceremony in which it is not and vice Rosell Josep Maria Bartomeu sporting and technical secretary of the club, Andoni Zubizarreta.

The first scheduled club meeting before the media and finally the press conference, unlike what has been programmed so far in the presentation of players.

No player is expected to contact all their partners until after the international meetings of the selections, which will require stopping the League schedule next weekend.

Indeed, Spain and Argentina will play in Buenos Aires in two weeks in a friendly which is expected to play Mascherano, as captain of the albiceleste.

Mascherano's arrival has coincided with the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who signed his farewell last night with Barcelona, and he will play next season on loan at Milan, the entity that it will become the property as of July 1, 2011 to the next four seasons.

The entry and exit of these two players at Barcelona could generate a new signing in the Catalan club, which will take time until next Tuesday.