Our proverbial dash to the tape moves on as we round out the top 10 races in the world. And with a shot of the starter pistol, here we go!
The city of Boston is a remarkable place, with history, exceptional museums and architecture and at present, the most sensational run of professional sports success in America. While the titles won by the Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots have Boston sports fans in ecstasy, the best run in Boston is still the Marathon.
The Boston Marathon is the event of the year, not just in the host city but for the athletes who train long and hard to attain the summit of success in this lonely sport. This is the premier road race in the world after all, with a history that dates back to 1897. Held with symbolic pomp on Patriots Day every April, over 20,000 participants on average turn out for the epic marathon through the hilly streets of Boston. Although there is prize money available, to boast that you ran in Boston is enough. The marathon is a popular bucket list item that many would love to draw a line through. A trip to Boston the weekend before the race is a phenomenal experience. The city comes alive for the event, which usually ushers in Spring (not to mention the start of Red Sox baseball at Fenway).
Since 1903 the Tour de France has been the only bicycle race that the world cares about. The glory of a victory here ensures international stardom in a sport that seldom shines a global spotlight on participants. Names like Merckx, Indurain and Armstrong resonate beyond the sport which most view with casual deference, because of exceptional success at the Tour de France.
Two features of the race make it ideal for spectators and the athletes who brave the severe endurance test. For one, the Tour route offers the ultimate vistas not just of France, but nearby nations such as Spain, Germany, Belgium and even Ireland. The Pyrenees provide the most famous scenery of course, as well as the other feature of note about the Tour de France. Punishment. For the riders that is, as the Tour presents steep obstacles that require the skill, brawn, courage and stamina of perhaps the best athletes in the world. Although drug use is a major problem in the sport, everyone must acknowledge one fact about the Tour de France. Drugs or not, to complete the 23 day race is a remarkable feat by any measure.
The beautiful excess of Formula One, posh and replete with sophistication nonexistent in NASCAR (whose fans want it that way) and other open wheel associations, was made for the grand city of Monte Carlo. As a result, we place the Monaco Grand Prix at #1 on our list of Top 10 Races in the World.
A trip to Monaco for the big race is necessary, even for neophytes to the sport and stubborn cynics. Run since 1929, the location for one, could not be more idyllic. The romance of the C?te d’Azur is the backdrop and the principality of Monaco plays host, resonant with royal extravagance and Euro elite. But forget about that if you can, at least long enough to focus on the race. F1 demands more of drivers, in terms of speed and technical proficiency, than any other circuit. With hazardous hairpins and curves, the course that winds around Monte Carlo gives the athletes who command the poweful machines fits. However, to a man, they acknowledge that a win here is more important than any other. If you can get to the Riviera for the Monaco Grand Prix, make a point to secure a good spot to view the best race in the world.
Honourable mention: Le Mans
The 24 hour endurance race at Le Mans, France, joins the Indianapolis 500 and Monaco Grand Prix to form a defacto Triple Crown of Motorsport. Since 1923 the best drivers in the world have gone to Le Mans to test their skill and stamina on the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe. Careers have been made here, with names like A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti and Tom Kristensen – who was won Le Mans 8 times, incredibly – among the famous alumni. Bring some strong coffee if you plan to watch the entire race.
Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
I really need a vacation right about now, and this spot looks amazing. Sigh… it’s really depressing when you think about the fact that Europe has 2 months vacation per year accumulated, while North America struggles to get 2-3 weeks.
Where have you travelled?
completely enjoyed reading your blog post…