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100 GREATEST GIFTS: Sport ; Eat, Drink and Be Merry With Our Presents for Foodie Hit the Ground Running With These Action-Packed Gifts

Posted on: Sunday, 28 November 2004, 09:00 CST

Perfect ride

If you're looking for the ultimate piece of gym kit, the new 95Xi Lifecycle bike (pounds 5,395, www.totally fitness.co.uk) is worth a pedal. An LCD screen displays fitness information alongside your favourite TV show, so you can watch The West Wing while you work- out.

Chase the ace

After a great gift for wannabe Schumachers? Silverstone's one- day intensive course (pounds 376, includes a 20 per cent discount by quoting DW1104, tel: 08704 588 212) will teach you how to take a corner and adopt the racing line, before a final race to claim your bottle of Moet.

Skip to it

It may have started in the playground, but for some serious cardiovascular action you can't go wrong with a bit of skipping. The Calorie Jump (pounds 15, www.paramount zone.com) comes with an LCD display, that counts the number of rotations (and calories burned); making it a sure-fire way to burn off all those Christmas puds.

Stadium of light

Looking for the ultimate in season tickets? The 10-year Club Wembley scheme (pounds 1,740 per year, www.wembley stadium.com) gives you access to every major match (including FA Cup Finals, home internationals and the Rugby Challenge Cup) the new stadium will host. Better start learning those songs.

In a spin

Part party trick, part muscle toner, the Dynaflex power ball (pounds 25, www.paramountzone.com) is an unconventional wrist exerciser. A quick pull on the starter-cord spins the inner rotor, while subtle wrist movements create a massive gyroscopic force (up to 31lbs) that improves hand strength and gives a good work- out. Gripping stuff.

A brighter shade

Speedo has launched a new range of unisex sunnies (pounds 50, tel: 0845 060 2020 for stockists) that caters for the sasssy sun worshiper as well as skiers, thanks to their polycarbonate lenses and extra-periphery protection. Naturally, they also guard you from UVA and UVB rays and come in six sparkling colours.

You've scored

New womenswear label Vedette (10 Lower Sloane Street, London SW1, tel: 020 7730 5267) has got involved with the beautiful game, with a 30-piece collection based on Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. We think this Swarovski Crystal dress (pounds 605), would give Chardonnay a run for her money.

Easy driver

Want your nearest and dearest to move up from the world of pitch and putt? Send them to a golf-for-beginners day at the Marriott Golf Academy (pounds 125, www.red letterdays.co.uk). PGA golf professionals will work on your basic swing and putting skills, followed by lunch and a round of golf in the afternoon.

Be the best

Know someone who takes their running seriously? The PT-03 by UK Gear (pounds 80, www.ukgear.com) is the first commercial product made in conjunction with the British Army. Road- tested by its elite instructors, these hardy trainers will surely grab anyone's attention.

Star choice Linford Christie

UK record holder and former 100-metre sprinter

`I am a real fan of MP3 players, as I love listening to all my favourite tunes while training, as do many athletes. This one also has a built-in pedometer and you can download the information that it collects to a PC'

MP3 Run, by Nike Philips, pounds 250, tel: 0870 900 9070, www.philips.co.uk

Source: Independent on Sunday, The

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