Get Prepared: Top Sport Events in Europe 2018

It’ll be hard for 2018 to live up to 2017 in terms of European top sport events. From in-the-history-books boxing matches (looking at you, Mayweather vs. McGregor) to Spanish tennis champ Muguruza taking the ladies’ crown at Wimbledon, nothing can quite compare with the thrill of this year’s games.

But there’s plenty more where that came from. The 2018 top sport events calendar is looking like an exciting and eclectic mix, from athletic extravaganzas to two-wheeled championships. Here are our top picks of the bunch, and how you can channel the sports in your own exercise regime:

JULY

Tour de France

July 7 – July 10; Vendée – Pays de la Loire, France

The 2018 Tour de France kicks off in Vendée, rolling predominantly through France. Terrain will vary from a combination of smooth gravel to rough Paris-Roubaix cobbles, a mixed bag for the teams of international riders competing for that highly coveted yellow jersey. Last year’s winner was Team Sky’s Chris Froome, finishing safe-and-sound in the peloton at the end of Stage 21. One more win and he joins five-time-winning champions Jacques Anquetil and Eddy Merckx – will he do it in 2018?

Power-up your cycle game: Investing in quality gadgets, gear and accessories for cycling can truly make the difference, from hydration packs allowing you to go those extra miles to advanced fitness trackers. Of course, fancy gizmos aren’t everything – to achieve your ultimate fitness goals in 2018, get into the athlete mindset. Avid determination, competitive spirit and heaps of practice – train your mind like you train your body.

AUGUST

European Championships 2018

7 August – 12 August; Berlin and Glasgow

Germany and Scotland are the host cities of the continent’s mightiest multi-sport event this year. One billion will tune in to watch nearly 5,000 athletes compete in seven different disciplines. Aquatics, cycling, gymnastics, golf, rowing and triathlon will be held in Glasgow, while Berlin will host the athletics.

Supercharge your fitness: There are plenty of ways to finetune your body to Euro-competing standards. Even if you’re not a gymnast, including gymnastics into your training regime can boost strength, balance and coordination needed for all-round fitness. If you’re training for a triathlon, it’s all about endurance – mix up weight-training with a cardio wotkout for an indoor triathlon experience.

SEPTEMBER

IFSC Climbing World Championships 2018

6 September – 16 September; Innsbruck, Austria

Climbers of the world unite at this year’s pinnacle event, held in Austria for the first time since 1993, when the country hosted the climbing world championships for the first time. A whopping 750 athletes will be heading to Tirol’s capital to compete among 70 different nations for titles in a range of disciples, from lead and bouldering to speed and paraclimbing.

Go higher this year: It’s not always possible to make it outdoors to practice your climb, but modern gyms such as EVO boast environments perfect for honing your skills on the rockface. Try these seven exercises to improve your fitness for climbing, from wall squat thrusts to Spiderman pull-ups.