Five top US events ...
March Madness
Each spring in the US sees the top 65 college basketball teams compete for the college championship. Games are played thick and fast, with 49 in the first weekend alone. Like the Super Bowl, the event attracts a lot of gambling, kicking off countless office sweepstakes. www.ncaasports.com
Kentucky Derby
Inspired in part by the Epsom Derby, this is one of the biggest dates in the US horseracing calendar. Over 150,000 people gather at the Churchill Downs racetrack, and are divided between the rowdy infield area, and the classier Millionaires' Row, inhabited by the great and good. www.kentuckyderby.com
Indianapolis 500
The Indy 500 takes place, surprisingly, over 500 miles at the Indianapolis Speedway (also known as the Brickyard). The racetrack is an American landmark and 400,000 spectators can cram in to its environs. www.indy500.com
The Masters
Although this is the youngest of the three majors to take place in the US, it is endowed with the most tradition. Played every year in Augusta, Georgia, the winner is awarded the green jacket, a much-coveted item among pro golfers. www.masters.org
US Open
The American equivalent of Wimbledon takes place at Flushing Meadows. The stadium is close to the sights of Manhattan, so you can fit in a bit of tennis during your visit to New York. British players have also done relatively well here in recent years; Greg Rusedski reached the final in 1997, Tim Henman got to the semis in 2004. Andy Murray was also junior champion here and has prioritised a win at the US Open over a victory at Wimbledon. www.usopen.org
... And from around the world
Boxing Day Test
Where Britons tuck into their cold turkey sandwiches and empty their Eskys of beer at the MCG while cheering on the cricket team in the sun. A little bit better than the Eastenders omnibus. www.mcg.org.au
Naadam
This Mongolian festival has been going on, in one form or another, for centuries. The festival is based around three main events: wrestling, archery and, most impressive of all, horseracing across long stretches of steppe. www.whatsonwhen.com
The Highland Games
There are actually several different Highland Games, but one of the oldest and best takes place in Alva. This year marks the 150th anniversary of caber tossing and hammer throwing. If you prefer something a bit gentler, there's also the Scottish dancing and bagpipe performances. www.albagames.co.uk
London Marathon
The biggest marathon in the world, with 40,000 competitors and more than half a million spectators. As well as the thousands of runners in fancy dress, the event attracts serious athletes. In the 2003 race, Paula Radcliffe set a women's world record of 2:15.25. www.london-marathon.co.uk
Tour de France
One of the most gruelling sporting events in the world, competitors cycle up to 2,500 miles in just three weeks. Millions of spectators line the course along the Tour's route. The 2007 event will start in Britain. www.letour.fr
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