There are no mountains, let alone hills, on the route for Pogačar to exploit. However, finishing second on debut in 2025 showed he can be a contender.

Mads Pedersen, Filippo Ganna and Wout van Aert are credible outsiders, but barring accident (highly possible in this risky crash-fest) or bad form, it is likely to be a duel between the two superstars.

For the first time, the women’s edition will be held on the same day, finishing a couple of hours after the men. Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and her Visma-Lease a Bike team-mate Marianne Vos are prime contenders, as is 2024 winner Lotte Kopecky. Briton Zoe Backstedt could challenge for the win too.

It should be a dry edition with a slight tailwind. The men’s race starts in Paris Compiègne at 10.05 BST and is set to finish around 3.45pm.

Feel free to send in your thoughts, predictions or favourites to me at andrew.mcgrath@telegraph.co.uk.

Four unarmed Ukrainian prisoners were allegedly executed by Russian troops despite a ceasefire coinciding with Orthodox Easter celebrations.

According to a statement from the 14th army corps, Russian troops launched an attack on Ukrainian positions near the village of Vetarynarne in the Kharkiv region in the north west the country.

The assault led to the capture of four soldiers, who Russian forces executed on when they were unarmed, said the statement.

The 14th army corps, a unit in the Ukrainian army, wrote: ‘Russia proves once again that its army is a terrorist group for which no rules or laws exist.

‘The execution of prisoners has become a systemic practice for the enemy, indicating conscious approval of such crimes by the Russian high command.’

Russia and Ukraine had announced a short ceasefire on Saturday for Orthodox Easter, but both sides have accused the other of thousands of violations.

Ukrainian forces said Russia had committed 2,299 violations since the temporary truce began, including shooting the four unarmed soldiers. Russia said Ukraine had committed 1,971 violations, including three counter-attacks.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, had earlier written: ‘We all understand who we are dealing with. Ukraine will adhere to the ceasefire and respond strictly in kind. 

‘The absence of Russian strikes in the air, on land, and at sea will mean no response from our side.

‘The Ukrainian army is ready for any developments on the frontline. Ukraine has repeatedly proposed various ceasefire formats to Russia, and we believe that Easter should be a time of silence and safety. 

‘A ceasefire on Easter could also become the beginning of real movement toward peace – our side has made the corresponding proposal.’

Father Roman, a Ukrainian army chaplain who led the blessing ceremonies, described Easter as a moment of faith shared by Ukrainians in their identity and future.

‘We are defending our borders. We are defending our identity,” he said. “We are a free people who live on this territory. We have faith, deep traditions and historical heritage. It’s all about the identity of Ukrainians.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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Rio Ferdinand has warned Mikel Arteta his Arsenal side will get ‘pumped’ by Manchester City in next weekend’s summit meeting if he sets up to play for a draw.

A contrasting weekend of fortunes for the top two has dramatically shifted the momentum in the favour of Pep Guardiola’s rampant chasers who underlined their intent with a dominant 3-0 win over Chelsea.

City’s performance could not have been more contrasting to the one given by the Gunners 24 hours earlier where nerves and apprehension were so clearly in evidence against Bournemouth.

Apoint next week would still keep Arsenal’s noses in front but Ferdinand believes Arteta can ill-afford to rely on the sort of defensive approach that yielded a draw two years ago when the two teams faced off in the closing stages of the 2023/24 season.

The former Manchester United defender cited abject surrender against PSG last week as evidence of what might happen to Arsenal if they attempt to copy the approach employed by Arne Slot against the Champions League holders.

Ferdinand told his YouTube channel: ‘If you go there and sit back like Liverpool did at PSG the other day it’s slapsville.

‘You’re getting pumped. You can’t do that. Do you win leagues doing that?’

Arsenal’s form has tailed off dramatically since their Carabao Cup final defeat against City last month and Ferdinand believes the onus is on Arteta to find a solution to the problems provided by the pressing systems that have blunted the attacking threat of his side in recent weeks.

‘This is glaring the way City set up block all passing lanes, pressing high,’ said Ferdinand. ‘I don’t think Bournemouth went four up the pitch as glaring in exactly the same way.

‘They were great in terms of blocking passing lanes making Arsenal having to go over it or just panic a little bit and give the ball away.

‘I think is that the blueprint? Bournemouth have copied it their own way. Mikel Arteta and his team haven’t found an answer yet.

‘It wasn’t a good performance. At least get about and put it on some players.’

While Arsenal are back in European action against Sporting Lisbon in midweek, City will have the benefit of a week off to prepare.

On facing Arsenal, Guardiola said: ‘We have seven days. So prepare mentally. Beating Arsenal once is difficult, they proved that all season. So to beat them twice in a margin of three weeks is even more difficult.

‘We play at home, it is a final. Relax and focus on what we need to do through that game. If you win or if you lose everybody knows.

‘We have to talk about what we have to do against a team that defends well, wins duels, attacks also with the long balls, thousand million things that they do brilliantly this season that make them the best team in England – the numbers are there – and the best team in Europe – the numbers are there. We have incredible respect.

‘I have three people in front of me here, did you bet £1 before the Carabao Cup final that we would win? No chance. You were all thinking Arsenal was going to win. We have to control that next Sunday.’

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Chelsea: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella, Caicedo, Santos, Estevao, Palmer, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro.

Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Adarabioyo, Delap, Essugo, Sarr, Acheampong, Guiu, Lavia, Garnacho.

Man City: Donnarumma, Matheus Luiz, Khusanov, Guehi, O’Reilly, Silva, Rodri, Semenyo, Cherki, Doku, Haaland.

Subs: Trafford, Reijnders, Ake, Marmoush, Kovacic, Gonzalez, Ait-Nouri, Savinho, Foden.

Referee: Christopher Kavanagh

Our thoughts are with those who have lost a loved one

Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements. Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk – the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams. Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory.

Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page. To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here. Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling 01482 908084.

Here are a selection of notices published earlier this week.

Death Notices

Gerald Anthony ALDERTON

of Cambridge passed peacefully to rest at Cottenham Court Care Home on Friday 13th March 2026 aged 91 years. Beloved husband to the late Phyllis, much loved Dad to Susan and John. Grandad to 9 Grandchildren and 3 Great Granchildren. Funeral service to be held at 11:15am Newmarket Road Cemetery Chapel on Monday 13th April 2026 followed by burial. Family flowers only, donations if desired made payable to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity may be left at the service or forwarded to Richard Stebbings Funeral Service Ltd, Kendal House, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9YS. Tel 01223 232309.

Cecil Fred DEARDS

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Cecil passed away in Cambridge on 23rd March 2026. A much loved husband of Georgina and daughter Sue. Funeral will be held on Thursday 23rd April 2026 at Cambridge Crematorium, East Chapel, Cambridge. There will be no Wake on the day, but Georgina would welcome visits from friends and relations any time after the funeral to share memories and a cuppa at her home in Cambridge. Please make contact with Georgina to arrange this. Donations if desired to the Alzheimer’s Society can be made at the Service or online at www.alzheimers.org.uk. Any enquiries in relation to the above please contact Co-op Funeral Services, St James Street, Cambridge. CB1 1HX.

Roy FOREMAN

With the heaviest of hearts, we share that our dear Dad, Roy, sadly passed away on Tuesday 17th March. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Rose. He bravely battled cancer for many years, soldiering on in true fashion, and fought until the end. We will all miss him beyond measure. In Arduis Fidelis – Faithful in Adversity. Funeral Service to be held on Tuesday 21st April 2026, 1:00pm Yaxley Methodist Church, Main Street, Yaxley, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE7 3LP. Committal taking place Tuesday 21st April 2026, 2:00pm Yaxley Cemetery, Dovecoat Lane, Yaxley, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE7 3NF. Reception afterwards Tuesday 21st April 2026, 2:30pm The Lancaster Lounge, 152 Main Street, Yaxley, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE7 3LB. Charitable donations in memory of Roy, if you wish, are gratefully received for Cancer Research UK.

Anne KETTERIDGE

Of Saffron Walden passed away on Friday 13th March 2026, aged 72 years. Beloved Wife to John and a devoted Mum and Nanny, she will be sadly missed. Funeral Service will be held at Cam Valley Crematorium, Great Chesterford on Tuesday 14th April at 11:30 am. Family flowers only please, but donations in memory of Anne can be made to Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust via https://act4addenbrookes.org.uk/donate/. 66b High Street Saffron Walden Essex CB10 1EE.

Colen LUMLEY

Architect and latterly artist, passed away peacefully on the 14th March 2026, nine days short of his 94th birthday. He is survived by his wife Julia, and sons Mark, Kim and Ben. The funeral service will be held on the 13th April, and will be a private event.

Stephen Charles MARKHAM

of Newmarket and formerly Caldecote. Passed peacefully away after a short illness on Saturday 28th March 2026, aged 76 years. A devoted husband to Angela. Much loved brother of Joan and Maggie and dear brother in law to Peter and Neil. Funeral service to be held at The Cam Valley Crematorium, Great Chesterford (CB10 1RP) on Thursday 16th April at 12:30pm. Family flowers only please but donations may be made payable to St Nicholas Hospice Care and left at the service or sent care of Southgate of Newmarket Funeral Directors, 25 Duchess Drive, Newmarket, CB8 8AG.

Jean Pauline MOXON (nee Coteman)

(nee Coteman) of Cambridge passed away peacefully on Monday 23rd March 2026 aged 86 years. A much loved Wife to Stuart, devoted Mum to Beverley and Joanna. Much loved Nannie to Clinton, Reece, Joshua, Charley, Tamzim and Keanna and Great Nannie of Ten. Funeral service to be held at 2pm, Christchurch, Newmarket Road, Cambridge on Wednesday 22nd April 2026 followed by burial at the Huntingdon Road Cemetery. Floral tributes or donations made payable to Dementia UK may be left at the service or forwarded to Richard Stebbings Funeral Service Ltd, Kendal House, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge. CB24 9YS. Tel: 01223 232309.

Pat STEBBINGS (nee FELL)

(nee FELL) of Cherry Hinton, Cambridge, loving wife of the late Maurice, much loved mum of Michael, Paul and Jane, also a dear mother-in-law, nana, great nana and a dear sister of Robert, passed peacefully to rest at her home on Thursday 19th March 2026 aged 86 years. Funeral service and committal 11.30am East Chapel, Cambridge City Crematorium on Tuesday 28th April 2026. Floral tributes or if desired donations made payable to Arthur Rank Hospice Charity may be left at the service or forwarded to Richard Stebbings Funeral Service Ltd, Kendal House, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge, CB24 9YS. Tel 01223 232309.

In Memoriams

Kathleen MASTERSON

Remembering you on your 40th anniversary with love today and always. Reunited with Dad. Love Penny xxx

Gordon TEVERSHAM

Dad I miss you more than ever your guidance and your love; But I know that you’re still watching silently from above. From Heaven you’re still giving the love you always had; I know you hear me talk to you I will always love you, Dad. Love as always. Marguerite and Fred x x x ——

Grandad You never said ‘I’m leaving’ you never said ‘goodbye’ You were gone before I knew it and only God knew why. A million times I’ve needed you a million times I’ve cried; If love alone could’ve saved you you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly in death I love you still; In my heart you hold a place that no one can ever fill. Love as always. Emma x x x

To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk

Roman Almatitla, 38, has been accused of starting a fire at a three-storey building in Flushing, New York, which left four people dead including a three-year-old girl

A man is alleged to have drunk a beer and watched after setting fire to a New York building which left four people dead.

Roman Almatitla, 38, has been charged with arson, murder, and assault all in connection to the fire that took place at a three-storey building in Flushing last month.

Three adults and a three-year-old girl died in the tragedy where others had to jump out of windows to escape the blaze, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

READ MORE: UK to sizzle at 22C within days as heatwave hits 6 countiesREAD MORE: Keir Starmer sends warning to US and Iran after peace talks break down

Chengri Cui, 49, Shin Chie Ming, 61, and the young girl, were found dead at the scene from smoke inhalation. Hong Zhao, 64, leapt from a window and sustained brain trauma and numerous broken bones, before later being pronounced dead at the hospital.

Several other people were injured, including two firefighters who had to be rescued from the building after a staircase collapsed.

Almatitla admitted he had no particular reason to attend the building that day, reportedly said prosecutors, and he is alleged to have started the fire out of anger at losing his job that day.

He entered the building a number of times before heading to a petrol station across the street where he bought a beer, stole another and asked the cashier behind the register to borrow a lighter, said the District Attorney.

CCTV footage showed him at the petrol station and then he returned to the building where he followed a woman inside as she opened the door to go in.

It is then that he allegedly lit a piece of paper with matches before dropping into a trash can near the exit for the second and third floors.

While the first floor of the building is occupied by a commercial space, the second and third are all residential apartments. A witness, speaking to WNBC, said they saw two people jump from the second floor, with one woman shouting: “My baby, my baby.”

Since 2020, the property has been issued with more than 50 violations by the Department of Buildings. Inspectors also found an illegal gambling business operating on the first floor in 2023, during which a $23,000 fine was issued to the organizers.

The latest violation, a failure to maintain, came in January this year after investigators unearthed extension cables running from the first to third floors.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranians reacted with a mixture of disappointment and defiance on Sunday after peace talks with the United States failed to reach an agreement following hourslong negotiations.

U.S. officials said the talks collapsed over what they described as Iran’s refusal to commit to abandoning its nuclear program. Iranian officials blamed the U.S. for failing to reach a deal, without specifying the sticking points.

The failure of the high-stakes talks in Pakistan after 21 hours casts doubt over the future of a fragile two-week ceasefire, due to expire on April 22.

While the fragile ceasefire seems to hold, the war is not over and uncertainty remains on the streets of Tehran where some residents were reluctant to speak to the media.

Iranians have been living in digital blackout for over a month after the internet was blocked shortly after the war started on Feb. 28. Since then, the population has been relying on state-controlled media, with a limited number of people having access to overseas satellite TV channels for access to information.

Standing outside a newsstand in the capital, Tehran, Farhad Simia told The Associated Press he had hoped for successful negotiations and an end to the fighting, but stood with Iran despite the failure of the talks.

“I’m against war. I think negotiation is the better path,” Simia, 43, said. He blamed “inappropriate demands” by the U.S. for the failure to reach a deal.

Mehdi Hosseini, also 43, agreed: “Considering the advantage Iran seemed to have on the battlefield, there was a real concern that we might lose all those gains in the negotiations.

“Whether the talks succeed or not is one matter, but the fact that the Iranian negotiating team managed to preserve what it achieved in the war, while refusing to back down and surrender, gives reason for hope.”

The streets of Tehran were lined up with large Iranian flags and giant billboards glorifying the country’s leaders and military achievements. One large illustration depicted Iranian men in uniform lifting a fishing net out of the sea with a catch of miniature-sized U.S. military aircraft and warships. “The Strait Remains Closed,” the billboard read.

Hamid Haghi, 55, said “America’s overreach” was the reason for the talks’ failure. The U.S. wants “to come to the Strait of Hormuz, which is a legacy from our fathers,” he said. “We can oversee (it) ourselves.”

Like many Iranians, 60-year-old Mohammad Bagher believes Iran should continue to stand strong against the U.S. in what he sees as a war of their own making.

“We are a nation of dialogue and negotiation as long as our interests are respected. We have never sought war,” he said. “We will stand firm to the end, we are ready to sacrifice our lives, and will not give them one inch of our land.”

Since the U.S. and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28, it has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and caused lasting damage to infrastructure in half a dozen Middle Eastern countries.

Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz has largely cut off the Persian Gulf and its oil and gas exports from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring.

Rayan Cherki and Marc Guehi both shone as Manchester City eased past Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge to blow the title race wide open with seven games of the season left to play

Marc Guehi refused to accept the man-of-the-match award as Manchester City eased past his former side Chelsea. Pep Guardiola‘s men secured a dominant 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening.

Nico O’Reilly had given City the lead with his ninth goal of the season. Guehi then got on the scoresheet with a clinical finish, before Jeremy Doku netted an emphatic third.

The England defender was among those to catch the eye, with Gary Neville nominating him for the man-of-the-match award on commentary. But, in typically humble fashion, the defender instead chose to hand the award to teammate Rayan Cherki, who notched two assists on what was another standout showing.

Speaking after City’s victory, Guehi said: “In the second half especially, we did well. We just want to improve, get better. We keep our feet on the ground, recover and focus on the next one.”

READ MORE: Man City’s remaining fixtures compared to Arsenal’s as Premier League title race heats upREAD MORE: Man City send Arsenal title statement with Chelsea mauling – 5 talking points

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Cherki also spoke out after the game and gave his verdict on teeing up Guehi for his goal. He said: “When I gave the pass for him [Guehi], I’m not good because I don’t know if he score. But when he did, I’m happy for him and the team. Now we can go and play against Arsenal, which is a big game for us.

“I don’t feel the pressure. I just want to play with my teammates, give the pleasure [to the fans], give the good passes… for all the players because we need the goals.”

City boss Pep Guardiola was also full of praise for the French playmaker following his outstanding performance. The Spanish coach said: “Rayan Cherki is an extraordinary talent. The second goal, the pass to Marc, he saw him!

“We talk a lot, sometimes he plays in the positions close to Donnarumma. Your talent has to be in the final third. How good are you at winning games? Assists and something nobody can he. be there, close to Haaland and the wingers. We will bring the ball closer to you.

“After that, he is more practical and effective. But he’s so young. If he understands that, he will be become an extraordinary player. He already is, but being more is good for him and Man City. But he’s so young.”

City now sit six points behind Arsenal, albeit with a game in hand. They will take on the Gunners next weekend at the Etihad Stadium.

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