Sporting Holidays

Australia is often described (albeit usually by ourselves) as a nation of sporting greats. Without ancient heroes or ruling monarchs (ahem) to rally behind, The Don's bat, Thorpie's feet and Phar Lap's heart hold pride of place in our national psyche.  Yet for a self proclaimed sporting nation, we do lack a bit of variety. My own narrow view was recently brought home to me when, on the eve of the Beijing Olympics, a French friend asked if I was excited about watching the handball. My first thought was: handball's a sport? My second was: people get excited about it? But as I flicked channels only a few nights later, I lighted on a match in progress on SBS and proceeded to sit, eyes glued to the screen, until the very last ball had been hurled. Which goes to show that there really is a wide world of sports out there. And what better way to celebrate a love of all things competitive than to include an international sporting event on your next overseas holiday. We've picked out a few of the best (and easiest on a backpacker's hip pocket) below.

1. Tour de France
Every July the world's most famous cycling race winds its way through France's cities and towns (and sometimes pops into other countries too). The course can cover anything from 2000 to 6000 kilometres and is lined by millions of people cheering, waving flags and running along in silly outfits. You can't beat this event for passion, endurance and sheer sporting strength. And it's free! Just pick a spot along the route, pack a picnic and wait for those riders to come charging around the bend.

2. Grand Prix de Monaco
This annual Formula One event speeds through the tight corners and a narrow streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine. From the castle atop the hill to the green water of the Mediterranean sparkling beneath, this has to be the world's ultimate sporting event for glamour and luxury. But those on a budget can still get in on the action. A low cost look at this multi-million dollar event can be had by booking a hotel in Nice, catching the bus up and keeping out of the casino.

3. Calgary Stampede
Billed as 'the greatest outdoor show on earth', the Calgary Stampede is held every July in Alberta, Canada. The rodeo includes six  major events – Bareback, Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc, Steer Wrestling and Tie-Down Roping – but there's a host of associated events that brings the city to life. Those who want a taste of real cowboy culture should be as restless as a hen on a hot griddle to get there. 4.

4. Phichit Boat Races
Boat racing has been part of Thai culture for centuries. The Phichit traditional boat races are held on the first weekend in September in front of the Tha Luang temple on the banks of the Mae Nam Nan, Thailand. This scenic event includes a winner's cup awarded by the King as well as decorative boat processions, cultural shows, music performances and markets.

5. Rio de Janeiro Football
If you want to witness bona fide sporting ecstasy, there's no going past a football match at Rio's famous Maracana Stadium. With a capacity in excess of 100,000, this famous field has played host to seminal events including the 1950 World Cup and Pele's last game. The season runs from July to December and any match will probably be bigger and crazier than anything you've ever seen in Australia.