This summer’s best upcoming sporting events
Summer is on its way, and thoughts are already turning to lazy afternoons spent in the sun, having a drink and watching the world’s best sportsmen and sportswomen battle with opponents.
Here is what the people of Exeter and the UK in general will be looking forward to in terms of sport in summer 2017.
Wimbledon
A quintessential part of any British summer, the Wimbledon Championships return for their 131st edition in June. Reigning men’s champion Andy Murray will be looking to fight off familiar foes to defend his title, but who will win the women’s tournament is anyone’s guess, with the all-conquering Serena Williams taking a sabbatical from the sport to have her first child. German Angelique Kerber, who won the Australian and US Opens, is currently favourite with most bookmakers, but 2004 winner Maria Sharapova is back from a two-year drugs ban and will be eager to silence her critics. Ever-improving home star Johanna Konta is the fifth favourite. Wimbledon is a highlight for all sporting fans, and those who want to go and watch can still get tickets for the outside courts.
The Open Championship
Golf’s oldest major returns to Royal Birkdale for the first time since 2008, and the field is wide open. Big hitters Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy will be popular among punters, as will the ever-reliable Americans Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson. Sergio Garcia’s win at Augusta proved that one of the sport’s most popular figures has what it takes to clinch the title when the pressure is on, so will home favourite Lee Westwood finally step up and win his first major title? The action starts on the 20th July, and daily tickets can be secured from £10, with under-16s given free entry.
Rugby Union Premiership Final
The final of England’s top-flight rugby union league takes place on the 27th May at Twickenham, and there is every chance that the Exeter Chiefs could be there after a strong showing during the regular season. The Chiefs will be keen to get over the heartache of last season, when Saracens, the club who have dominated English and European rugby in recent years, narrowly defeated them. Exeter might lack the international stars of their nearest rivals, but coach Rob Baxter has managed to establish them as a strong Premiership side after winning promotion from the RFU Championship in 2010.
Epsom Derby
Billed as “the world’s greatest flat race” the Epsom Derby is Britain’s richest and most prestigious horse race. Held in June each year it is the highlight of the racing year for many horseracing fans. The race has been run annually since the 18th century and gives race goers an opportunity to dress in their smartest clothes - particularly the ladies who sport the latest fashions and impressive hats. The Derby meeting has become part of the social calendar with H.M. The Queen often in attendance.
Derby Day is also a major event for the bookmakers with millions of pounds being staked on the race; at the course, in betting shops, at the best live casinos and sport betting sites across the world.
Dartmoor Classic 2017
A fiercely contested race on one of British cycling’s most picturesque courses; the Dartmoor Classic captures the imagination of Devon each year. 2017 will not be any different. Competitors can choose between three courses of differing lengths, setting off from Newton Abbot Racecourse. Whether you’re a keen cyclist or you just like to take to the bike recreationally, this could be just the addition to your family holiday on the south coast.
With all of these events - and plenty more - on the calendar, summer 2017 promises to be a memorable one for British sports fans indeed!
