The calendar

2nd World Superbikes lacks decent Brit racers this season, so British Superbikes star Tom Sykes joins the field as a wildcard for its two races at Brands Hatch. Sykes hopes to 'cause a few upsets' and emulate 2003 wildcard Shane Byrne, who won twice.

5th Diamond-encrusted shoelaces and snaps of David James in his pants: among the results when sport and fashion collide. The relationship is explored in Fashion V Sport, a new exhibition that opens at London's V&A Museum. Both of the above are on display.

7th A Tiger-less USPGA Championship means that the final major of the season, at Oakland Hills in Michigan, could be snatched by anybody. Fringe Ryder Cup players also have a chance to grab crucial points before teams are announced at the end of the month.

8th Beijing's opening ceremony promises to be 'colourful and splendid', making use of 10,000 performers. Most eyes (and cameras) will be on the VIP box, where the political leaders who do accept their invitation will be trying hard to look comfortable.

13th The travelling O2 Scrum on the Beach festival arrives at Birmingham's Centenary Square for a weekend of rugger-themed fun. Look out for touch-rugby games, England players and something called 'rugby limbo' (which may or may not involve Jonny Wilkinson). The Scrum moves on to Newquay on the 23rd, then London on the 27th.

29th Man United flew to Russia to win the Champions League, Zenit St Petersburg flew to Manchester to win the Uefa Cup, and now they meet in the middle to contest the Uefa Super Cup in Monaco. Sir Alex is unlikely to welcome the distraction, two Prem games in, but the match could be a cracker if Zenit are in last season's form. TLa