A growing number of candidates and activists in France have been targeted with violent or verbal attacks in the run-up to Sunday's tense final round of parliamentary elections.

France is home to Europe’s largest Muslim and Jewish populations. The election, called by President Emmanuel Macron after his alliance lost widely to the RN in European elections, is adding to strains on those communities, along with tensions that have been brewing since Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel, which triggered the war in Gaza.

Concerns are growing about political violence ahead of high-stakes parliamentary elections in France after a series of lawmakers were attacked while campaigning this week.

Portugal topped Group F ahead of surprise quarterfinalists Turkiye and then overcame Slovenia on penalties in the round of 16. France were beaten to top spot in Group D by Austria who fell in the round of 16 to the Turkish and it was a narrow win for the French over Group E runners-up Belgium which set up this rematch from 2016.

France coach Didier Deschamps dismissed concerns over the form of key attackers Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann as he predicted a power struggle against Portugal for a place in the European Championship semi-final.

There is a repeat of the 2016 final this Friday when Portugal face France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.It was Portugal who ran out victors on that occasion, claiming their first and only

Mark Cavendish made cycling history on Wednesday, winning a record-breaking 35th stage at the Tour de France. The 39-year-old has now surpassed legendary cyclist Eddy Merckx after winning a chaotic sprint finish at the end of the 177.

Who will triumph in the first time trial of this year’s race? Join Will Unwin to find out.   12:04 Mark Cavendish will be first down the ramp today. He looks incredibly happy with life.

Sprinters shined again during Stage 6 of the 2024 Tour de France. Jasper Philipsen was relegated for deviating from his line.