double-double made up for the brief burst

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RIO DE JANEIRO -- World road race champion Peter Sagan is switching gears at the Olympics.Hes also realistic about his chances on the mountain bike.Technically, I am not bad. I am not here to lose, Sagan said. Can I win? If I lose, I am not disappointed. If I win, its so good.One of the worlds most respected riders, Sagan has the resume to back up a flamboyant personality, with three stage wins in the Tour de France this year. The Slovak cyclist clinched the best sprinters green jersey for the fifth consecutive time.He is also a fan favorite for his movie star looks, with long hair and five oclock shadow. Sagan looked the role on Tuesday with his hair pulled back in a bun and sunglasses resting on his head as he walked on to a stage.Slovakia has never had a such a big sports star like Peter, Slovak Olympic Team spokesman Lubomir Soucek boasted during a news conference.Sagan is also aware of his limitations.In January, he tested the road course in Rio de Janeiro and determined that it was too hilly for him to contend. He made the decision then to switch to mountain bike.In June, the Slovak Olympic Committee made it official and awarded Sagan its sole lone starting spot for mountain bike for Rio.A dream that was dashed in London in 2012 was fulfilled four years later. The 26-year-old Sagan isnt entirely a stranger to mountain biking since he was a junior champion in that discipline.I raced the road race in London and I already wanted to race mountain bike there but it was not possible, Sagan said Tuesday. For sure, its a big dream for me.After the Tour de France, Sagan started getting ready for Rio with altitude training in Utah and Wyoming. He blew away the competition at the Pierres Hole 50 .The mens mountain bike race on Sunday wont be quite as quaint. Switzerlands Nino Schurter and Frances Julien Absalon are the top favorites .But competing on the mountain bike isnt just about winning for Sagan.I have not raced mountain bike in seven years. A lot of things have changed, he said. Im here for more personal (reasons). I want to try. ... I will give the maximum for sure.Sagan also has no regrets about skipping the road race, won by Greg van Avermaet of Belgium on Aug. 6.Im surprised in the victory of Greg, he said. But the road race in the Olympics is a strange race. There is not a strong field, it depends on the legs, it depends on the luck.Van Avermaet, Sagan added, was also a bit lucky due to the crash involving the others, but the Olympic gold medal is for all of life.---Online:AP Summer Games site: Зарегистрируйтесь, чтобы увидеть ссылку! Зарегистрируйтесь, чтобы увидеть ссылку! . Two pressure cooker bombs exploded near the finish line of the April 15 race in an area packed with fans cheering the passing runners. Three people were killed and more than 260 injured, including at least 16 who lost limbs. Зарегистрируйтесь, чтобы увидеть ссылку! . -- The Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake played to a 0-0 tie Saturday night that left the top of the Western Conference standings unchanged. Зарегистрируйтесь, чтобы увидеть ссылку! . A knee to the thigh might have stung him the most, but his sixth straight double-double made up for the brief burst of pain. Зарегистрируйтесь, чтобы увидеть ссылку! .Y. -- Sabres forward Drew Stafford has witnessed plenty of turmoil during his eight seasons in Buffalo. Зарегистрируйтесь, чтобы увидеть ссылку! . Kiriasis and brakeman Franziska Fritz finished two runs in one minute 55.41 seconds -- a mere 0.01 seconds ahead of Meyers and Lolo Jones, who likely bolstered her Olympic hopes by helping give USA-1 a huge push in the second heat. An unfortunate gym mishap for Sam Gibson aside, the injury outlook at North Melbourne continues to improve ahead of a pivotal fortnight for the Kangaroos.Gibson is in doubt for Saturdays clash against Sydney after suffering a broken nose but the Roos could regain Scott Thompson, Ben Brown, Ben Jacobs, Sam Wright and even long-term absentee Shaun Higgins for the Hobart encounter.The eighth-placed Kangaroos need all the help they can get as look to stave off a late challenge from ninth-placed Melbourne with wins against the Swans and then Greater Western Sydney.Roos coach Brad Scott told reporters on Wednesday Gibson sustained a broken nose and a nasty gash to his face after he slipped and dropped a barbell on his head on Tuesday morning.Hes not ok, hes pretty sore at the moment, Scott said.He was sent to hospital just to rule out any other facial fractures, which hes clear of.Hes a bit uncomfortable but were still really optimistic hell be available to play this week.Gibson has played the past 105 games without a break - the longest active streak in the AFL.Higgins hasnt played at any level since knee surgery after round seven but Scott is confident the veteran is capable of slotting straight back into the senior side without a stint in the VFFL.ddddddddddddIn further good news for North, key forward Jarrad Waite is making better than expected progress in his recovery from hip surgery a fortnight ago and is a chance to return against the Giants at Etihad Stadium in round 23.The Demons can snatch eighth place from the Roos if they win their last two games - against Carlton and Geelong - and North lose against Sydney and GWS.But Scott is intent on improving his clubs position in the eight rather than holding off Paul Roos emerging side.Were not happy to finish eighth, he said.Once round 23 is done theres a week off before eight clubs get to launch an assault on the finals, thats what were looking at but were going to have to play some pretty good footy in the next two weeks to get that opportunity.Our view is that were looking to play our best footy to make an impact in September - its not about just getting there.Scott dismissed suggestions a decision on the playing future of AFL games record holder Brent Harvey would be made at a scheduled board meeting on Wednesday night, adding all personnel moves will be left until the end of the Roos 2016 campaign. 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