Events

28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

British & Irish Lions intend to tour South Africa as planned in 2021

After months of speculation the British & Irish Lions rugby union team have confirmed they intend to tour South Africa as planned this summer.  There had been reports that the series could be moved to the UK or even played in Australia. However, in an update issued on 23 March the Lions and SA Rugby said they are “aligned on delivering the Castle Lager Lions Series in South Africa in the scheduled playing window”.  Jason Leonard, chairman of the British & Irish Lions, said: “After reviewing information relating to the various contingency scenarios being considered, I can confirm that the board’s intended position is for the tour to go ahead as scheduled in South Africa in 2021. “We acknowledge that there is a significant amount of work still to be undertaken to d...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

World Rally Championship: Acropolis Rally Greece added to 2021 WRC calendar

Greece will return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for the first time in eight years after the fabled Acropolis Rally Greece was added to the 2021 calendar. The gruelling gravel road event forged a reputation as one of the WRC’s iconic fixtures after joining the inaugural season in 1973, and WRC Promoter has finalised a multi-year agreement with the Greek government for the Acropolis to return. It will form round ten of the 2021 season on 9-12 September, replacing Copec Rally Chile which has been cancelled due to continued travel and other governmental restrictions amid the pandemic. The Acropolis was first held in 1951. It became regarded as one of the WRC’s toughest rounds, as twisty and rocky mountain roads combined with intense heat and choking dust to provide a fier...

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21Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

British Rally Championship 2021 season to start at Oulton Park Circuit

The iconic Oulton Park Circuit in Cheshire will provide the Motorsport UK British Rally Championship with a history-making opening round of the 2021 season as the series commences with the Neil Howard Stages in association with Graham Coffey & Co. Solicitors on 31 May. Despite announcing its six-round calendar of events recently, British Rally Championship organisers have since been offered the opportunity to open the season at the Cheshire circuit in May, bringing an additional asphalt event to the schedule. The impressive circuit played host to the opening special stage of Wales Rally GB in 2019 which provided a unique and challenging backdrop for the best rally drivers in the world. That setting will now provide the starting point for the BRC elite in what is sure to be a c...

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21Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides

BTCC 2021 calendar: TOCA confirms minor revisions

TOCA, organiser of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, has confirmed minor revisions to the previously issued 2021 BTCC calendar as a result of the government recently issuing its roadmap for the easing of restrictions. While the opening race weekend – at Thruxton on 8/9 May – remains unchanged and will unfortunately take place behind closed doors, amendments have been made to the scheduling of the next two events in order to further maximise the opportunity for spectators to attend. The revised calendar sees the Snetterton event now scheduled for 12/13 June. The Brands Hatch Indy circuit event will be two weeks later, on 26/27 June, as all substantial spectator restrictions are expected to have been lifted by then. No further changes have been made to the previously is...

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15Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

A Question of Sport Live UK tour: tickets, event dates and cities

The BBC’s popular sports quiz show, A Question of Sport, will celebrate its 50th year by going on an all-new live tour around the United Kingdom in 2021.  Starring long-time host Sue Barker and team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell – along with a host of big-name guests from across the sporting world – A Question of Sport Live is the perfect way for fans to see the hit show up close and say farewell as the trio depart from their roles.  A Question of Sport Live follows the popular format of the TV show and features many of the rounds and challenges. It is also truly interactive as audience members will be able to get involved in some rounds, including the traditional “Sprint Finish” finale. “I cannot believe 2021 marks 24 years since I first joined A Question of Sport and I c...

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14Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

2021 Formula 1 Portuguese Grand Prix confirmed for 2 May

Formula 1 has announced that the Heineken Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimão will return this season between 30 April and 2 May, as part of the record breaking 23-race 2021 FIA F1 World Championship.  Last October, Portugal returned to the F1 calendar for the first time in 25 years, with Lewis Hamilton winning ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen.  Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, said: “We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 will be racing again in Portimão after the huge success of the race last year. We want to thank the promoter and the Portuguese Government for their hard work and dedication in getting us to this point.  “We are confident and excited about our 2021 season, having shown last year that we could deliver 17 races safely and ...

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2Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Women’s Rugby World Cup set to be postponed until 2022

World Rugby has recommended the postponement of the 2021 Rugby World Cup until next year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.  The women’s international rugby union event was due to take place in New Zealand in September and October. The recommendation will be considered by the Rugby World Cup Board and World Rugby Executive Committee on 8 March and 9 March respectively. In a statement World Rugby said: “While appreciating the recommendation is extremely disappointing for teams and fans, it has their interests at heart, and gives the tournament the best opportunity to be all it can be for them, all New Zealanders and the global rugby family. “The recommendation is based on the evolution of the uncertain and challenging global Covid-19 landscape. It has become clear in recent disc...

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2Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Sports Travel

World Surf League and Rip Curl announce deal for new Rip Curl WSL Finals

The World Surf League (WSL) and Rip Curl have announced a three-year partnership of the Rip Curl WSL Finals - the new one-day competition that will decide the men’s and women’s world surfing champions.  The inaugural Rip Curl WSL Finals will take place in San Clemente, California at Lower Trestles. At the conclusion of the regular season, the top five men and top five women on the Championship Tour (CT) rankings will head to Orange County for this one-day, winner-take-all shot at the world title. The Rip Curl WSL Finals waiting period will run from 8-17 September 2021, a choice time of year for solid Southern Hemisphere swells to light up the cobblestone point. “I am a huge fan of the decision for the new CT format, it’s like multiple games throughout the year,” said Tyler Wright, tw...

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28Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events

Rugby World Cup 2023 fixtures: France vs. All Blacks in blockbuster opener

World Rugby and the France 2023 Organising Committee have announced the match schedule and venues for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The expanded eight-week international rugby union festival, which takes place across nine cities, will kick-off with a blockbuster opening clash between host nation France and three-time champions New Zealand at the Stade de France on 8 September 2023. Rugby World Cup 2023 will be a “truly nationwide tournament involving all of France”, World Rugby said in a news release. “Each host city will host a minimum of four games and welcome at least one RWC 2019 quarter-finalist, reinforcing its commitment to unite the whole country through rugby fever.” In line with the mission to make the tournament the most accessible Rugby World Cup to date and attr...

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27Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Icons of F1: online auction of rare collectibles to start on 1 March

A new “Icons of F1” online auction will begin on 1 March featuring some extremely rare Formula 1 collectables and more than 50 items celebrating 15 world champions. Organised by F1 Authentics, the official online F1 memorabilia store, the auction includes a pair of signed Ferrari race boots from seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher; a 1994 replica of three-time world champion Ayrton Senna’s Williams race suit; a trophy belonging to two-time world champion Jim Clark; as well as race-used bodywork and vintage photographs signed by a selection of F1 legends from over the decades.  Philip Danglidis, commercial director at The Memento Group, operator of F1 Authentics, said: “This is one of our most prestigious and exciting auctions to date on F1 Authentics, with some of the rarest...

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27Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

IOC selects Brisbane as preferred host of the 2032 Olympic Games

Brisbane is in pole position to host the 2032 Olympic Games after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) invited the Australian city to enter “detailed discussions” for the mega-event.  Following the recommendation of the Future Host Commission for the Games, the IOC Executive Board will enter into a “targeted dialogue” with the Brisbane 2032 Committee and the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) about their potential to host the Olympic Games 2032. The IOC said the decision to advance the process “was taken at this particular moment, given the uncertainty the world is facing right now”. A statement said: “This uncertainty is expected to continue even after the Covid-19 health crisis is over. The IOC is considering seizing the momentum offered by the excellent project of Brisbane 20...

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27Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

PDC Unibet Premier League darts: 2021 opening dates and 2022 schedule confirmed

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has issued an update on the delayed 2021 Unibet Premier League season.  Traditionally, the ten-player tournament takes place at some of the UK’s biggest arenas and in 2021 it was also planned to visit Dublin, Rotterdam and Berlin on a 17-night tour. However, due to the pandemic and restrictions for indoor events, the PDC has confirmed that the opening phase this year will now be held behind closed doors at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes. In a statement the PDC said: “The first half of the season will see the ten players face each other once across nine nights from 5-9 April and 19-22 April, before the bottom two players in the league table are eliminated following Judgement Night.  “A further seven league nights will then ...

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20Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

The Ocean Race Europe: Genoa, Italy, will host event finale in June

Organisers of The Ocean Race Europe have confirmed that the inaugural edition of the sailing event will finish in Genoa in June this year.  The historic Italian maritime city (Genova in Italian) is already the home of The Grand Finale - the finish of the next edition of the round-the-world race in 2022-23. Now, Genoa will also host The Ocean Race Europe.  Richard Brisius, race chairman, said: “In The Ocean Race Europe we are realising a dream of many - a race between European cities with engaged fans and athletes achieving the extraordinary while driving change for a healthier planet.  “We understand the importance of teamwork, and collectively we back the EU work for Green Transition, digitalisation and unity. Our friends and partners in Genova also really understand the val...

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18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: iconic surfing event cancelled for 2021 – will return in 2022

World Surf League (WSL) has announced that the 2021 edition of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach has been cancelled for 2021 but will return in 2022 after a new three-year deal was agreed with partners Rip Curl and the Victorian Government in Australia.  The WSL was unable to secure a pre-approved bubble in Victoria ahead of the event, leaving significant risk attached to sudden public health measures in reaction to Covid-19 such as lockdowns, state border restrictions, and event cancellations. The WSL respects and understands the decision of the Victorian Government in this challenging time. Andrew Stark, WSL Asia Pacific general manager, said: “It was an extremely difficult decision to cancel one of the most iconic events on the Championship Tour.  “However, we are genuinely exc...

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18Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Women’s cricket in England prepares for a ‘truly memorable summer’

Women’s cricket in England is set for a “new era” this summer with the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy returning to the schedule alongside the new Women’s Regional T20 tournament.  The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the fixtures for the summer and there will be 56 matches played across both tournaments.  The Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy will begin on 29 May with each of the eight teams to play each other once in the group stage. The final is to be held on 25 September. The Women’s Regional T20 will start on 26 June with the eight teams split into two groups of four. Each team will play three home and three away matches during the group stage before Finals Day on 5 September.  Clare Connor, ECB managing director of women’s cricket, said: “This promises to be a truly...

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15Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

#ILOVEUNITED: Man Utd to host global live virtual fan event for Chelsea clash

#ILOVEUNITED, Manchester United’s live virtual fan event, is going global for the Premier League fixture against Chelsea on 28 February and it will have a huge focus on the USA.  The latest edition of the event - which will be streamed worldwide across United’s website, app, MUTV channel, Facebook and YouTube platforms - will feature bespoke content aimed at the club’s fanbase in the US and include exclusive behind-the-scenes access and insight into the first team. The 90-minute pre-match programme will be hosted by MUTV presenter Mark Sullivan, who will be joined at Old Trafford by co-host and NFL legend Osi Umenyiora, and live from Los Angeles by Lord of The Rings actor Dominic Monaghan. Both lifelong fans of the club, they will be sharing their best United memories and pre-match a...

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14Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides

Sailing: 17 events in 2021 World Match Racing Tour season

Seventeen events in 11 countries have been confirmed for sailing’s World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) 2021 world championship. The season will start in Szczecin, Poland, at the end of April and finish with the inaugural WMRT Final in Shenzhen, China, in December.  James Pleasance, WMRT executive director, said: “Last year was challenging for all international sports. We were very fortunate to be able to award the WMRT championship in Bermuda in October due to the fantastic efforts of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. We are very hopeful 2021 will allow for a full tour season however, understandably, organisers and sailors are cautious of ongoing restrictions, which is why we have set the tour schedule not to start before the end of April.” As with last year, the 2021 WMRT season will...

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14Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business

Beijing 2022: IOC marks one-year countdown to next Winter Olympics

To mark one year until the start of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has shone the spotlight on the athletes preparing for next year’s games.   Formally inviting the National Olympic Committees (NOC) and their winter sports athletes to participate in the 2022 mega-event, IOC president Thomas Bach said: “One year from now, Beijing will write history as the first city ever to host both the summer and winter editions of the Olympic Games. These games will connect the Chinese people with the world.  “Having seen how China is overcoming the coronavirus crisis, we are very confident that our Chinese hosts will ensure safe and secure Olympic Games in full cooperation with the IOC. “Every time that I have visited China, I am so impressed by the e...

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13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides, Sports Travel

European Tour golf 2021 schedule: tournaments, majors and big events

After a stop-start year in 2020, the European Tour is looking forward to an action-packed 2021 for men’s golf.  Announcing the 2021 calendar, the European Tour confirmed a minimum of 42 tournaments in 24 countries and 18 returning tournaments which were postponed or cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19.  As well as the regular Race to Dubai events, the 2021 season will also include four Rolex Series tournaments, the four majors, WGCs, Olympics and Ryder Cup. The 2021 campaign will conclude with the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai from 18-21 November. Keith Pelley, chief executive of the European Tour, said: “There is no question that the challenge of reshaping our 2020 season in many ways informed our approach to 2021. One of the key learnings w...

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29Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Travel

What is Europe’s oldest marathon?

I suspect the majority of even seasoned marathon runners would think London, Paris or Berlin to be the oldest marathon in Europe, making the answer even more intriguing. In fact Slovakia’s second largest city Kosice holds this accolade; so how did this come about? Ramy James Salameh finds out... In 2024 the Kosice Peace Marathon will celebrate its 100th anniversary, a milestone that Cassovians are extremely proud of. The marathon is the headline act for a city where sport is part of the very fabric and feeds into a truly diverse range of sporting experiences. The International Peace Marathon was inaugurated in 1924 and really is the torch bearer for sport in this fascinating city, and has given rise to many more sporting activities, clubs and titles. Kosice was awarded the status of ...

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