This summer, there’s a jam-packed calendar of sporting events across the globe. And, if you fancy yourself as a bit of a globetrotter as well as a sports fanatic, what better way to see the world than by watching your favorite sports teams and individuals battle for supremacy?
If you’ve got some spare time on your hands in the next few months – perhaps you’ve got some annual leave booked and you don’t know what to do with yourself! – take a look at these upcoming sports fixtures and tournaments spread out among some of the world’s most salubrious locations.
Cycling: Tour de France – always wanted to see the Champs-Elysees? Why not combine a trip to Europe’s most romantic city in Paris with a break during the final stage of the Tour de France 2017? Stage 21 on July 23rd is a grueling 103km ride from Montgeron into the heart of the French capital. The Tour de France is a unique sporting event where the entire nation comes out to see who prevails in the yellow jersey.
Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or not, it’s a tremendous spectacle and a great excuse to explore Paris’ immense architecture and history afterward.
Athletics: World Championships, London – five years after London played host to the Olympic Games, the eyes of the athletics world will once again be on East London, as Stratford’s Olympic Stadium when they play host to the 2017 World Athletics Championships. Perhaps the most significant point to note about this championship is that the legendary 100m sprinter Usain Bolt will be running his last ever race over 100m at the event, bringing the curtain down on a glittering sprinting career.
A visit to the Olympic Stadium can easily be paired with a stay in Central London, with Stratford only a few steps from landmarks such as Westminster on the London Underground.
Poker: PokerStars Championship, Barcelona – Towards the end of the summer (August 15-27), the Catalan capital of Barcelona becomes the hotbed for professional poker players as Casino Barcelona plays host to one of the biggest main events in the poker calendar. The PokerStars Championship Barcelona has a guaranteed prize pool of over $8 million, so you are guaranteed to spot the world’s best players in and around the city that week.
Note: If you’re also a big soccer fan, then you’ll be pleased to know that FC Barcelona’s La Liga season will be up and running again at this point, which gives you a great opportunity to catch the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at the Camp Nou!
Boxing: Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor, Las Vegas – They said it would never happen, but the fight between Floyd Mayweather and UFC icon Conor McGregor is on. Mayweather, undefeated in 49 professional fights, agreed to the duel, which is set to earn both fighters more than $100 million each. The cheapest seats in the house at the fight, which is being hosted at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, are an eye-watering $2,500!
Nevertheless, if money is no object, you would be a fool to miss out on a piece of boxing history; especially if you can enjoy some time in Sin City, too – also known as Disney World for adults! Vegas has it all: great food, great drinks, great entertainment, and bucket loads of glitz and glamor.
Tennis: U.S. Open, New York – Once the grass court season is over for the tennis pros, it’s a quick jump from the U.K. and Wimbledon to the States for the hard-court action, culminating in the headline event in late August/early September – the U.S. Open at New York’s Flushing Meadows. Situated just to the east of Central Park and downtown New York, it’s a perfect location to enjoy the world’s best tennis players and then soak up all the sights and sounds of New York.
Although you shouldn’t need an excuse to pack your bags for these iconic cities, it does help! A sporting summer really is something to savor – great weather, great action, and great entertainment all day, every day. So, go out and enjoy!
