There is no amateur ethic in professional cycling in France, they just cannot find a decent GC rider combined with a sponsor willing to spend big. Until they do the race will continue to be dominated by foreigners.
There are plenty of tennis clubs in the UK that have very reasonable fees, they do not compete with private health clubs like David Lloyd. I'm sure most councils also provide courts for the public at a reasonable charge, although they are still a long way from the excellent local set ups in France.
Tennis is seen as elitist - like golf in this country by many so they don't think its there for them to have a go. Whereas youngsters can play football, rugby and cricket more.
When I lived in the UK I would go for a round of golf at the council owned course at the princely sum of £7.50 including hire of a set of clubs. I have just had a look to see how much it would cost me today. No popping in if you have the time, no price for a single round, you must become a member for a year and the cheapest rate for a restricted times membership was £880. Of course being in Northants the council sold it off, and it is now a privately owned club. Seeing as I probably only played it two or three times a year, a round would be a stupid amount to pay. I could these days use the council owned course where you pay by the hour. €20 for an hour, so a fair price I would think.
Our local council owned course costs as little as £9.80 for a round of golf. It is incidentally where Javi Gracia takes his boys to play golf football.
Most French schools have little or no sports facilities so the pupils use the local amenities instead, just a different way of funding sport.
Personally I don't see the appeal of golf football but it seems really popular with the young. On this course it often interferes with the golf so not ideal to mix the two.
I shot an 82 off the seniors tees on a easy course .IM in the uk 5th sept to the 3rd of Oct if anyone want a round
Pity you are not coming earlier Brian, I can't make the first home game. Pop over to see us again when you are here.
yes i hope to but not 100% yet ,Not sure about Man C away and after the last time i said i would never go back to Wolves but i want to go to the League cup if we are still in it.
I thought twice. Nay, thrice. And given how I felt like reacting after the home match I quite possibly won't.
My problem is im only in the uk this trip for 4 and a bit weeks weeks One week no EPL and then Arsenal H Man C and Wolves A and i have delayed going back so i can take some of my grand kids to the Sheff U game i have to just pray we get into the 3rd round of the L Cup .Man C is a long way for pain And Wolves could be just Pain I could go with 1881 anyone know if they will be running a Coach ?
Froome has now been told he can make a full recovery from his injuries. Next years Tour de France is his only goal. I am already looking forward to this fantastic spectacle.
