Pedal to the Medal for a Great Cause: Princess Charlene Foundation’s Epic Water Race Victory
The 2024 Water Bike Challenge, a thrilling test of endurance and camaraderie, saw Team Lionheart secure victory in an exhilarating 180-kilometer relay from Calvi, Corsica, to Monaco. Organized by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the event brought together professional athletes and prominent figures for a 24-hour water bike race, raising awareness and funds for important causes.
The race began on Friday, September 6, at the historic marina of Calvi. Local officials, including Mayor Ange Santini, Deputy Mayor Didier Bicchieray, and Prefect of Haute-Corse Michel Prosic, gathered alongside Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene to bid farewell to the five competing teams. The atmosphere was lively, with musical entertainment adding to the excitement.
Prince Albert II of Monaco took the floor in his turn by thanking the many people present for this occasion and also recalling the strong friendship between Monaco and the City of Calvi that has been established for several years now.
Mayor Santini and Prince Albert both spoke about the deep ties between Calvi and Monaco. The race began after a blessing by Archpriest Louis El Rahi, and Princess Charlene gave the starting signal amidst cheers and applause.
The competition, which aimed to raise funds for water safety and drowning prevention initiatives, quickly became a fierce contest. Team Lionheart surged ahead early, but Team Serenity and Team Rock to Rock kept the pressure on, creating a tight battle for the lead throughout the day. As the race progressed and night fell, the teams remained neck and neck, with even Team Ferrari and Team U17 closing the gap.
Final Push To Win
By dawn on Saturday, September 7, Monaco’s shoreline came into view, and the final stretch of the race was in full swing. Team Lionheart, powered by a star-studded lineup that included Olympic mountain biker Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and environmental activist Brandon Green, made a decisive final push. Green, in the lead position, guided the team across the finish line on Larvotto Beach, where they were greeted by a jubilant crowd, including the Princely couple.
Team Rock to Rock finished a close second, with Team Serenity rounding out the top three. Team Ferrari and Team U17 finished fourth and fifth, respectively, but every participant was celebrated for their perseverance and dedication to the cause.
The Water Bike Challenge, more than just a sporting event, raised nearly 290,000 euros by Sunday afternoon to support the Princess Charlene Foundation’s mission to promote water safety and sports education. Donations continue to pour in, with opportunities for the public to contribute via the foundation’s website:
The Crossing : Calvi – Monaco – Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco
In the end, the Water Bike Challenge not only showcased the competitive spirit of the athletes but also reinforced the strong bonds between Monaco and Calvi, all the while supporting a critical cause.
