Europe has a fine range of top sport to watch this summer, and if you are someone who enjoys participating in sport as well then there plenty of exciting opportunities to do so.
It’s worth organising your travel plans carefully because there will be a number of international events where booking your flights and accommodations as early as possible would be advisable.
Here is a taste of the European sporting summer:
Tennis
May, June and July see two of the world’s greatest tennis tournaments. Firstly, the French Open takes place on clay in Paris, followed some three weeks later by the great grass court competition at Wimbledon, London. Top stars will vie for honours in the men’s and women’s games and there are bound to be stunning feats of athleticism.
Soccer
After the World Cup, the Euro 2016 finals are probably the next biggest tournament in the world of what Europeans refer to as football. Sixteen countries have reached the finals and they will play their group matches in various cities throughout France, with the grand final taking place at the Stade de France in Paris. With so many top teams taking part, it’s the ideal opportunity to check out the betting market, and even if you can’t get to all the games you’ll still have fun weighing up the odds.
Motor racing
France does seem to be doing well this year because it plays host to the Monaco Grand Prix – as it does every year. The world’s best racing drivers will go shoulder to shoulder around the streets of Monte Carlo, twisting and turning in an effort to take the chequered flag. And as Monte Carlo is renowned as a centre for betting, it’s a good time to have a little flutter on the outcome.
The Champion’s League Final
Taking place in Lisbon, Portugal, this is where the crème de la crème of Europe’s top footballing teams clash in a one-off evening of excitement and entertainment. Previous winners have included Barcelona, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern Munich, and whoever reaches the finals, you’ll be in for a rare treat.
Sporting activities
If there’s one thing Europe is not short of, it’s opportunities to participate in a wide range of sporting activities, some more gentle than others. If you are partial to a bit of adventure and risk, try climbing among the magnificent mountains that make up the Alps. They run from Slovenia in the east, through Austria, Germany, tiny Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy and France. You could easily visit several countries and find superb and challenging ascents.
Cycling is big in many countries, including the Netherlands, though as it’s largely flat you may want a more arduous workout in mountain biking in Italy’s Apennine mountain range. Swimming in the sea or in lakes is another popular activity, though you should always pay attention to warning signs.
Whatever you want to do, to watch or participate, Europe offers you a fantastic range of attractions and opportunities to be a part of a fabulous sporting summer.
