Predictions for 4th July Weekend

I am writing this whilst one eye is on the Wimbledon semi-final between Murray and Roddick with the American two sets to one up at the moment! My first prediction this week is for Federer to win the men's tournament and by doing so becoming the undisputed best male tennis player of all time (at least in terms of Grand Slams won).

In the ladies tournament the final will be between the Williams' sisters again and whilst before the tournament started I had predicted a Serena triumph I am now going for a win to Venus though I think Serena will test her more than any of her previous opponents in the competition.

Tomorrow afternoon will also see the Lions take on the Springboks in Johannesburg with both teams looking very different from the previous two weeks. Again I am going to plump for a Lions win mainly because I think their second string will be better prepared than the South Africans and will not want to lose the series 3 - 0.

One of the greatest and probably the toughest sporting event of the year gets under way in Monaco tomorrow - the Tour de France. Of course most eyes this year will be on the return of Lance Armstrong to the race as he seeks to add two more records, that of the oldest winner and to equal Raymond Poulidor's record of having finished on the podium eight times. My view is Armstrong can finish on the podium but will probably not win this time especially as he will not be leading the Astana team, and his Astana teammate Alberto Contador who won the 2007 tour has to be the favourite.

As for my predictions in this event for the weekend I am staying British and picking Wiggins to win the Prologue on Saturday and his erstwhile madison olympic teammate Cavendish to win Sunday's stage.

My final predictions for this weekend are in the US Moto GP in Laguna Seca. This is a great track and will hopefully produce a thrilling race. My prediction is for Valentino Rossi to win and his teammate Lorenzo to finish on the podium. It might be 4th July weekend but other than the Williams' sisters I don't think the Americans will have too much else to cheer.

In summary the predictions are:

Wimbledon Tennis Championships

Venus Williams to beat Serena in Ladies Tournament at 8/11
Federer to win Men's Tournament at 2/7

Rugby Union

Lions to beat the Springboks at 5/2

Tour de France

Wiggins to win the prologue time trial at 18/1
Cavendish to win Sunday's stage at 23/20

Moto GP

Rossi to win at 13/14
Lorenzo to podium at 2/5