Sports & Activities in WORLDWIDE Listings

The capital of Belgium, Brussels, is one of those big cities that often gets overlooked. Known more for its tendency to eat small cabbages and produce kung fu fighting actors, this is a place that is severely misunderstood. It may be the home of European politics and men in grey suits, but there is far more to this growing capital. R.S.C Anderlecht are Belgium’s most successful club and, with them currently fighting towards the top of the table yet again, are on track to stay that way. In addition the city has one of the last traditional breweries in the city, opened since 1900 and it’s the home of Tin Tin!!

If you happen to be into comics, some people are you know, then the Comic Strip Museum is a place that shouldn’t be missed. And finally, how can you not visit a city where its most photographed statue is called The Pissing Boy!?

The Football

Royal Sporting Club Anderlecht have always been the biggest club in Belgium, based in the south west region of Brussels. Anderlecht play their home matches at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium. The stadium has been the club’s home since 1917.

Capacity: 28,063

Formally known as Parc Astrid, the stadium was renamed after the club’s honorary president former player and coach for the club.

Constant Vanden Stock’s son, Roger is the current President with a great family tradition installed at the club, no chance of foreign investors here.

In Tribune 4 behind the goal plays host to 7000 standing spaces which is where you’ll find the most vocal of Anderlecht support, The Mauves Army is the main ultra group of Anderlecht expect the odd flare but most common a flamboyant “tifo” (fan art choreography) before matches.

Being in Belgium there are no shortage of places to drink before the game, and we know all the good spots that many other don’t!

18TH MAY 2019

Duration: 5 or 6 night options Distance: Marathon

Take a trip through living history by running a marathon along the Great Wall of China!

The Great Wall Marathon started in 1998 and has been run every year along the Great wall of China since. During 2016 the number of runners grew to 2,500. As one of the most popular “adventure marathons” the great wall tends to sell out quickly.

Sport Tours International offers guaranteed entry to this event and a choice of which of the three events you would like to compete in, the marathon, half marathon or 8.5k fun run.

We also offer a choice of hotels, and optional (very worthwhile) sightseeing tours.

Trip Highlights:

• Run a truly unique marathon in an incredible setting.
• Experience the ascendant city of Beijing and the sleepy rural Chinese landscapes of Jinxian and Huanyaguan.
• Choice of hotels – our most popular being the Qianmen Hotel.
• 5 or 6 night package with extension packages if you wish.
• A wide range of optional trips and experiences to enhance your stay around Beijing and rural China.
• Full support from local staff during your trip and the race.

25th July 2019

Duration: 4 days, 3 nights Distance: 178km

The 2019 Etape du Tour is your opportunity to ride stage 18 of the 2019 Tour de France. This year’s Etape will go from Briançon to Col d’Izoard. You will be riding a fully supported replica of the Tour de France stage, on 100% closed roads on exactly the same route as the Pros just days later. Sports Tours International is an official tour operator of the Etape du Tour and we have a wide selection of hotels in and around the start in Briançon, with guaranteed entry, airport transfers, event support and much more.

Included with your Etape du Tour travel package:

• 3 nights at your chosen hotel in the Serre Chevalier valley
• 3 breakfasts including an early breakfast on Etape day
• 3 evening meals (if you book a hotel which includes this)
• Airport transfers for you, luggage and your bike from Geneva or Turin airport
• Bike storage at your chosen hotel
• All hotel taxes
• A Sports Tours International cycling jersey made by Santini
• A safe pair of hands
• Our staff service. Please see details below

Our service at the Etape includes the following:

• An Etape du Tour race briefing
• Mechanical support from our professional mechanics
• Daily hotel visits from our team of bike guides
• An additional feed station on the route
• A day bag service with bag available at our additional food stop
• Airport meet and greet and return airport transfers

SUMMER 2019

Duration: 3 day Cyclosportive Distance: Various

This brand new 3 day Cyclo-Sportive is a further addition to the Haute Route series of events, and a chance to explore an increasingly popular cycling destination. The inaugural Haute Route Norway is set to take place in the summer of 2019. We will be offering travel packages with airport transfers, staff support, hotels and guaranteed entries to the 2019 Haute Route Norway.

Norway has stepped into the cycling spotlight with Bergen hosting the 2017 World Championships, and this is your opportunity to see the country for yourself. The route will take in some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain in the world, where roads with majestic switch-backs climbs in amongst the Norwegian fjords.

The concept of the Haute Route Norway is like the other Haute Route events: Haute Route Rockies, Haute Route Pyrenees, Haute Route Alps, Haute Route Dolomites, Haute Route Mont Ventoux and Haute Route Alpe d’Huez

Consecutive timed stages (including one ‘Marathon Stage’ and one individual time-trial), legendary cols, minimal flat sections, mountain top finishes where possible and individual timing. All this with Haute Route Pro support to emulate the Pro Cyclist experience as much as is possible for an amateur cyclist.  To view more information, please visit the official website: www.hauteroute.org.

Check out a great article from the Guardian that takes a closer look into the Haute Route highs and heartbreak – what motivates cyclists on tough rides?

Why book Haute Route Norway with us?

Sports Tours International have been involved with the Haute Route from the very beginning. We know how to support our athletes during this physically and mentally demanding event. Our support package lets you fully focus on the job at hand.

• Airport transfers and evening meals are included
• You will know in advance what hotel you are staying at. Both our hotels are in an ideal location and of excellent standard
• Our experienced reps and pro mechanic will be on hand throughout the event to support you
• We transport you and your bike to and from the finish and start if required
• We provide daily private feed and support stops en route
• We provide airport transfers and transport for non-riding partners who book through us

15TH APRIL 2019

Duration: 4 Nights Distance: Marathon

Run the world’s oldest annual marathon. See and explore Boston like never before! As one of the World Marathon Majors, the Boston Marathon is undoubtedly one of the most famous of the modern day marathons. With a fast route,  you will run this iconic event in the company of the world’s top marathon runners.

2017 saw Geoffrey Kirui of Kenya taking the lead spot for the men with a time of 2.09.37.  The female winner was Edna Kiplagat of Kenya with a time of 2.21.52.

As an official travel partner of the Boston Marathon & BAA (Boston Athletic Association) we are pleased to offer GUARANTEED entries for the Boston Marathon. * Please note we are not able to sell entry/packages to US residents.

With such an exciting race in the pipeline, you will not want to worry about logistics and hotel spots, that is why we have it covered from the very moment you step onto your flight to the very finish of your trip to this incredible city. We are very pleased to offer 4* accommodation located just a short walk from the finish and Boston Common.

Boston Marathon: Trip Highlights

• Run the worlds oldest annual marathon.
• Add a World Marathon Major under running belt.
• See and explore the rich history and diverse neighborhoods of Boston.
• A stay in the 4* Georgian Style Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill with the option to upgrade to a suite
• On hand support from Sports Tours International Representative