Swiss skiers had held all three podium positions before the Italians entered the start gate, with Franzoni and Paris knocking off Alexis Monney and then Odermatt with impressive performances in sunny Bormio.

Paris is seen as a king of this course, having won seven World Cup titles across both downhill and the Super-G, and he won a first Olympic medal at his fifth Games.

“Getting the first medal in front of the home crowd, that’s really special,” he said.

But for the Italians, their medal success comes in what has been an emotionally difficult season, five months after the death of their team-mate Matteo Franzoso in a training crash.

Franzoso suffered a head injury in a collision with a fence in La Parva, Chile, in September.

Last month, after winning World Cup gold at prestigious Kitzbuhel, Franzoni said he had raced with Franzoso “in his mind” after the two had shared a room at the course a year previously.

“To share the podium with Franjo, after [doing so at] the junior world championships [in 2022], he’s such a great guy,” said Franzoni.

“Also with Domi, I really wanted to share a podium with him. I don’t know if he’ll continue racing next year but this is the biggest stage to share.”

As a junior, Franzoni used to race against Jannik Sinner, who was a standout skier before pursuing tennis.

In fact, Sinner, now a four-time Grand Slam champion, once beat Franzoni in 2009, something he was made aware of after the latter’s super-G victory in Wengen earlier this year.

Sinner followed Franzoni on social media and the pair have since struck up a friendship.

“Receiving a message from a champion like him gave me a lot of motivation,” said Franzoni after his Kitzbuhel win.

“I thought, ‘If he wrote to me, it means I’m doing something right’. It’s been something really, really nice for me.”

The closure is between J11, for Birchwood, and J12, for Eccles, along the eastbound carriageway.

National Highways said in a post on social media that this was following flooding from heavy rain.

Two lanes are still shut off on the motorway this morning, Saturday, according to traffic cameras.

2 lanes are closed on the #M62 eastbound between J11 #Birchwood and J12 #M60 due to flooding in the carriageway following heavy rain.

Please take care on approach. pic.twitter.com/8V6F177Ogr

— National Highways: North-West (@HighwaysNWEST) February 6, 2026

National Highways said: “Two lanes are closed on the M62 Eastbound between J11 Birchwood and J12 M60 due to flooding in the carriageway following heavy rain.

“Please take care on approach.”

The children chosen will be invited to go and visit the trucks with their new name

A Cambridgeshire council is asking local school children to name their new food waste trucks. The Huntingdonshire District Council has invited schools across the district to take part in a Food Waste Collection Truck Naming Competition.

With the introduction of the new weekly food waste collection service, starting from the week commencing March 30 2026, the council is seeking the help of local children to suggest names for the new food waste collection vehicles.

Pupils should write their chosen name in their best handwriting, and names may be imaginative or light-hearted. Winning entries will be reproduced as stickers for display on the collection vehicles.

Schools may submit up to one name per child. To enter, schools must submit an image or scanned copy of the final handwritten name(s) in addition to the names of the children and school who suggested each entry.

Where possible, submissions should be combined into a single entry per class or school for the council’s convenience. You can find out how to enter here.

Huntingdon District Council shared: “Selected entries will become official names for Huntingdonshire District Council food waste collection vehicles. The children whose art is chosen will be invited to see the truck with their new name.

“All entries must be received by Friday February 27 2026. We look forward to receiving your entries, and thank you for supporting Huntingdonshire District Council’s efforts to promote sustainable waste management!”

A thorough assessment of the UK’s four main mobile networks has seen EE emerge as the clear winner

In the UK, four main mobile networks compete to provide the best signal and service for calls and data. Even if you opt for a smaller, challenger brand, they typically lease network access from one of the big four – EE, O2, Three or Vodafone – so your options for quality coverage are ultimately limited.

The latest RootMetrics report, from the network analytics firm owned by connectivity giant Ookla, shows one UK mobile network won or tied in all eight categories of its nationwide test. The results are based on data collected over six months, from July to December 2025.

According to RootMetrics’ State of the Mobile Union Report, EE is the UK’s leading mobile network, winning in overall performance, reliability, responsiveness, speed, data, call and video categories, while sharing the top spot for texts with Three and O2.

“EE remained the leader in 2H 2025, winning or sharing every UK-wide RootScore during testing,” said Luke Kehoe, analyst at Ookla.

“In fact, EE has won our UK Overall RootScore Award outright in every test period since 2H 2013, earning recognition as the UK’s best network for over 12 years and counting. EE also posted the fastest UK-wide aggregate median download speed at 114.1 Mbps, more than double the next-fastest result (Three’s 53.8 Mbps).”

Technically speaking, Ookla attributes EE’s dominance to “an aggressive focus on spectrum maximisation”. Spectrum refers to the frequencies mobile networks use to deliver cellular signals to phones and smartphones. EE is said to strike the best balance between capacity – how many devices can connect to a single mobile mast at once – and consistent performance.

“Despite not holding the largest contiguous 5G spectrum blocks, EE achieves the highest median 5G download speed and overall reliability in the market,” Ookla said, highlighting the BT-owned network has leveraged its existing 4G infrastructure most effectively to deliver a strong 5G service.

RootMetrics reported during the six-month testing period, it conducted over 600,000 mobile connection tests across the UK, covering all four major networks.

The tests measured performance at peak and off-peak times, both while stationary and driving on motorways in areas of strong and weak coverage and across indoor and outdoor locations throughout Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Express reports.

While EE claimed the top spot, Three delivered a strong second place performance in all categories expect video. RootMetrics reported Three’s average UK-wide download speeds reached 53.8 Mbps, which was faster than both O2 and Vodafone, but still well below EE’s 114.1 Mbps.

Meanwhile, the report noted O2 has boosted its speeds in major cities and improved its nationwide reliability, climbing to second place behind EE after finishing fourth and last in the first-half 2025 results.

Vodafone saw a drop in its total awards, but Ookla said the network “remains competitive in key regions”.

Even though EE leads this particular ranking of UK mobile networks, it may not be the right choice for everyone. If you’re considering switching providers, it is a good idea to use the online coverage checkers offered by each network to see how strong the signal is in your area.

It’s also worth shopping around for the best deal, including checking out mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Giffgaff or Tesco Mobile, which lease coverage from the big four. This can be a great option if you already own your phone, allowing you to get a monthly rolling contract at a much lower cost than signing up for a new phone contract.

Other highlights

Looking elsewhere, this edition marks the first time since Sochi 2014 that ice hockey players from the National Hockey League (NHL) will compete on the Olympic stage. Among the favourites are Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland as their teams benefit from the return of the NHL’s talent pool.

Another star to keep an eye on is American snowboarder Chloe Kim who is going in search of a three-peat in the snowboard halfpipe. She rose to stardom in PyeongChang in 2018 when she became the youngest woman to win gold in her discipline, at just 17. She came out on top again four years later in Beijing, becoming the first woman to win two Olympic halfpipe golds. Having struggled with her mental health in the aftermath of the Games, she contemplated retiring. But rather than stepping back, she has rediscovered her motivation and passion and has set her sights on a third straight gold, something no woman has ever achieved in the event.

How to watch

The BBC does not have wall-to-wall coverage of the Games as it has done in previous years. There is TV coverage on BBC One and BBC Two of “all major events from 9am to 10pm each day”, as well as a second stream, Olympics Extra, which is available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sports website and app to show “additional” events from 8am to 11pm.

Highlights go out across BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport social media channels as well, with BBC Sport also covering events with live text, day-by-day guides and the medal table.

TV coverage is being led by Claire Balding, Hazel Ervine and Jeannette Kwakye, while Katie Smith and Maz Farookhi deliver daily coverage and interviews on BBC Radio 5 Live.

The full Games is being broadcast on TNT Sport and Discovery+ in the UK for subscribers.

Are Russia and Belarus competing?

Neither Russia nor Belarus are competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics, after being banned as a result of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Athletes from both countries competed at the 2022 Games in Beijing, China, with Russian athletes competing under the Russian Olympic Committee after a state-sponsored doping scandal resulted in athletes being unable to compete under the Russian name, flag or anthem.

Athletes from both countries will compete under the Individual Neutral Athlete (AIN) banner, after a ruling by the International Skating Union in December 2024 which allowed them to participate in the Games under this condition. The delegation will not march in the parade of nations at the opening ceremony, and will not receive an official ranking in the medal tables, as occurred in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

What happened at the last Winter Olympics?

Norway came out on top overall in 2022, with the most gold medals (16) and the highest medal total (37). Thirty-four of their athletes finished on the podium and two of their biathlon athletes, Marte Olsbu Roeiseland and Johannes Thignes Boe, set a joint-record for winning five medals each at a single Games.

His work helped shape modern hairdressing as both an art form and a profession, and tributes have been pouring in for the celebrity hairdresser who hosted A-list stars at his Manchester salons

Tributes have flooded in for celebrity hairdresser Pierre Alexandre, renowned for his salons in Manchester and teasing the tresses of everyone from Take That to Rod Stewart, who has died aged 86. Pierre is credited with inventing the concept of the unisex hair salon, and a pioneer of the hairdressing world, renowned for his iconic haircuts.

Born Peter Johann Franz Wasler in Basel, Switzerland into a family of hairdressers in 1939, he first moved to the UK in the 1960s, where – as was the custom at the time – changed his name to Pierre to open his first branded salon in Manchester in 1965.

Based on St Ann’s Square, above the Jewsbury & Wilson fashion store, Pierre Alexandre International fast became a hotspot for celebrities with early clients including Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Hylda Baker, Les Dawson, Coronation Street stars and agents from the entertainment industry.

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The Regency-style salon was accessed by climing two flights of stairs – something celebrity clients were happy to do for the superstar treatment they had once inside. Throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s, and Pierre would go on to become a globally-recognised hairdresser, artist and visionary with further salons in Manchester, London and Europe.

A statement from Pierre’s family confirmed the sad news of his passing this week. In a lengthy tribute they said: “It is with deep love and quiet gratitude that we share the passing of Pierre Alexandre Walser. Pierre lived an extraordinary life, shaped by creativity, generosity, and an unwavering passion for helping others grow.”

It continued: “Pierre was a pioneer in his field. He coined the concept of the “unisex” salon, invented the iconic “Halo” haircut, and was among the first stylists to bring futuristic thinking, performance, and storytelling onto the stage.

“His work helped shape modern hairdressing as both an art form and a profession. Over the course of his career, he appeared at more than 1,800 shows worldwide and taught tens of thousands of hairdressers across Europe, Japan, Asia, North and South America.

“His influence reached far beyond salons. Pierre was one of the first acknowledged stylists to the rock and pop stars, working with artists such as Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Lulu, Eartha Kitt, Peter Noone, and many others. He created Rod Stewart’s signature spiky haircut, trimmed the Beatles’ hair ahead of one of their first major media appearances, and became known for his charisma, originality, and fearless creativity.”

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After the success of his first salon on St Ann’s Square in Manchester, Pierre opened his second salon, Romeo and Juliet, on King Street West in Manchester. The opening attracted huge public attention, with queues down the street and Lulu the salon’s “public face” and star client.

It was there that Pierre seated men and women together, serving Coca-Cola and playing contemporary music, in what is believed to be the first “unisex” concept salon. That same year David and Angie Bowie became clients, further cementing Pierre’s reputation. He would expand his ventures into fashion in Paris, and early forms of hair extensions.

In the 1980s, Pierre founded Studio 17 in London’s Mayfair, a groundbreaking film and photography studio that became a cultural hub. He hosted his own lifestyle television show, appeared on countless international TV and radio programs, and worked as an image consultant for 20th Century Fox, while his work was featured in hundreds of publications.

His family said that his true calling was teaching – and that he loved sharing knowledge and guiding others. In 1973 he opened the Pierre Alexandre School of Hairdressing on King Street West in Manchester, inviting thousands of hairdressers to the city. He would go on to create numerous influential new hair styles that would inspire and influence countless others, with the academy remaining there to this day.

In later years, Pierre moved to Spain, were he devoted himself to mentoring, writing his biography, developing new ideas, and reimagining the future of the Pierre Alexandre brand with “great excitement and pride” his family said. They said they have been touched by the “countless messages from around the world” since his passing.

Hundreds of tributes have been made on his Facebook page, many from hairdressers he trained and inspired over the years.

Neets Wilbraham said: “I have fond memories getting the best training at your Manchester salons. I’m thankful for the knowledge, self discipline and creativity that stood me in good stead in life. Our friendship in later years is something I’ll always treasure.”

Lynette McCloud said: “We all have, fabulous, professional , fun memories of Pierre most definitely one of life’s exuberant, vibrant, passionate characters.” Dee Wilson added: “Pierre Alexandre St Ann’s sq was an interesting indelible period of our lives a passage of time building life experiences and skills for so many of us. Larger than life with exuberance and a colourful nature Pierre Alexandre truly International.”

The family statement said: “We are deeply touched by how many people loved Pierre, and even more by how many lives he helped change. Again and again, we hear the same truth: Pierre had a rare golden touch. He genuinely wanted others to succeed, and nothing made him happier than seeing people grow because of his guidance. In that sense, every one of you is part of his legacy – a legacy he would be profoundly proud of.”

They added: “Pierre was often misunderstood, and throughout his life he faced unfairness, frequently born of jealousy. Yet in his final days, he expressed something beautiful and rare: he felt fulfilled. He felt that he had lived well, loved deeply, and spent his final years exactly as he had dreamed. His life was full, meaningful, and true to himself. He inspired many, and we are immensely proud of the man he was.”

They say that Pierre disliked funerals, and so had asked for “something different, something more like him,” for his final farewell. The family said: “Instead of formal mourning, he wished that those who knew him would gather with friends, share a glass of wine, be happy, talk, and remember.

“He asked that you speak of your experiences with him, recall your memories, think of him fondly, and listen together to the music he created in his final years – songs filled with meaning and reflection.”

This village is also home to two pubs, as well as some scenic walks

A village situated in Cambridgeshire has all the hallmarks of a classic chocolate-box setting. Elton, approximately seven miles outside of Peterborough, is home to a collection of truly enchanting thatched cottages and Grade II listed buildings. The village’s postcard-worthy charm is matched by its stunning countryside setting, offering scenic views and ample opportunities to go on a bike ride, or a leisurely stroll.

Komoot, where you can find walking routes, offers a 5.69-mile hike, called the Fotheringhay to Elton loop via the River Nene, where you can spot some spectacular views along the way. The loop starts and ends in the village of Fotheringhay, and takes in views of Warmington Mill, and Fotheringhay Castle standing tall above the River Nene, before continuing down Duck Street to reach one of Elton’s beautiful pubs, The Crown Inn.

Here, at The Crown Inn, walkers can enjoy award-winning food and a well-earned drink from their wide selection. This family-run, country inn also offers five-star accommodation with a bed and breakfast.

Their restaurant, which has a 4.3 rating out a possible five on Tripadvisor, serves homemade, traditional food and prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to ensure the highest quality.

One happy diner captioned their review on Tripadvisor as “I’d love to go every week” and said: “We went for Sunday lunch. The roast dinner was excellent and the veg perfect! Not too al dente and the cauliflower cheese was epic.”

Another reviewer wrote: “Fabulous delicious quality Sunday roast lunch generous portion size and all with great service. We will definitely be back.”

If that wasn’t temptation enough, the village also has another lovely countryside pub that you can visit called The Black Horse.

According to Komoot, the walk takes around two hours and 20 minutes and is considered a ‘moderate hike’. The site advises that good fitness is required and the route is made up of mostly accessible paths. The starting point is right next to the car park at The Falcon Inn in Fotheringhay, which is convenient if you are driving to the area. If you do not want to do the whole route, you may wish to complete a small section of it instead.

Val Kilmer stars in this 1984 cult classic from the makers of Airplane! and Naked Gun that fans say you’ll want to watch twice

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Netflix subscribers seeking a hilarious comedy to enliven their weekend need look no further than this 1980s cult classic that’s just landed on the streaming service.

Top Secret! is the less celebrated parody film from Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker, the minds behind Airplane! and the Naked Gun franchise.

Whilst the 1984 spy caper isn’t quite as renowned as their other classic comedies, it boasts a devoted cult following who maintain it’s amongst their finest work, featuring some of the best gags ever committed to film, reports the Mirror.

Late Hollywood legend Val Kilmer stars in this cherished spy spoof as rock star Nick Rivers, who travels to East Germany to perform a concert.

When he falls for the beautiful Hillary Flammond (played by Lucy Gutteridge), he becomes entangled with an underground resistance movement who have devised a plan to rescue her scientist father from a group of Nazis.

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Packed with side-splitting and often absurd humour and countless visual gags you’ll want to watch it twice to ensure you didn’t miss anything, Top Secret! is an essential nostalgic watch for comedy fans now it’s available to stream on Netflix.

One 10/10 review from an IMDb user called it “an overlooked gem”, writing: “You can watch it many times and still pick up jokes you’ve never noticed before.

“Like ZAZ’s other masterworks, this one is packed with hilarious one-liners and sight gags.

“It’s usually overlooked, curiously enough, when talking about the great comedies, but there’s no doubt about it, Top Secret! IS one of the great comedies of our time.”

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Someone else enthused: “This movie truly is another great work from David Zucker and Jim Abrahams team. In some scenes you will laugh so hard that you have to pause the movie, laugh for five minutes then play it again.”

Another admirer dubbed it the “finest comedy ever made!” and made a bold statement: “Believe me, after watching this movie, you wouldn’t wanna watch any other ever again. Every time I watch it, it gets better and trust me, this is the best comedy ever!”

The glowing praise carried on over at Letterboxd, where one viewer remarked: “This has become one of those movies that I’ve seen so many times that I’m no longer watching it when I revisit, I’m just actively remembering it five seconds ahead of itself.

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“Every bit and line is etched into my memory forever. Nonetheless, it remains one of the best comedies!”

Another devotee penned: “It’s rare to find a film that captures your attitude towards life. The Annie Hall of parody movies, Top Secret! is a continuous sequence of visual gags and low-brow jokes. I found it inspirational.”

And a final supporter declared: “I found it? ? I found it! YEAH I FINALLY FOUND IT. The funniest movie ever made!!!”

Fancy a laugh this weekend? Netflix has got you sorted.

Top Secret! is available to stream on Netflix.