A group of sixty dedicated cyclists embarked on an extraordinary journey, pedaling their way from London to Monaco, covering a remarkable distance of over 1,000 kilometers. Their mission: to champion the cause of ocean protection and raise vital funds for the Blue Marine Foundation.
HelloMonaco was there to greet them.
Their journey was not only physically demanding but also symbolically powerful, as they donned the uniform of the Blue Marine Foundation, uniting their love for cycling with a commitment to saving our oceans.
This epic eight-day cycling odyssey took these riders through seven countries, including Netherlands, Germany, France, Switzerland and Italy, testing their mettle and determination every step of the way. Their adventure began on September 19 in London, and by September 26, they triumphantly arrived at the Prince’s Palace square in Monaco. The streets were lined with enthusiastic supporters, their cheers echoing the heartfelt appreciation for the cyclists’ dedication. As the cyclists rolled in, they were met with a cascade of champagne, celebrating their remarkable achievement, and even had the honour of a royal welcome from none other than Prince Albert himself.
But the true measure of their success transcends the celebratory champagne showers. The Blue Marine Foundation’s sixth edition of this remarkable event managed to raise an important 160,000 euros toward ocean preservation. With each year, the enthusiasm and commitment of the participants have grown stronger. This isn’t just a cycling event; it’s a personal challenge taken up by individuals who recognize the urgency of protecting our oceans.
The journey itself was no easy feat, with participants covering an average of 150 kilometers each day. From the unpredictable weather in England to snow-covered paths in Switzerland, these cyclists encountered a range of challenges that tested their resilience. Riders spoke to HelloMonaco about the tough conditions they faced initially but noted that the exceptional organization and the noble cause they rode for kept them going.
While this cycling marathon is not a competition, it epitomizes a personal challenge, as repeatedly has been emphasized by Claire Brook, CEO of the Blue Marine Foundation. The participants’ collective determination echoes the broader effort to combat the challenges our oceans face.
In previous years, over 250 riders from 15 different countries and sponsors have come together to raise well over £1 million for ocean conservation projects globally.
This majestic ride revealed to HelloMonaco the riders’ ability to overcome physical, mental, and emotional challenges they never thought possible.
It takes a lot of dedication to keep the Blue Marine Foundation on target including key contributors to the cause like Clare Brook, CEO of the Blue Marine Foundation and Peter Lürssen, Blue Marine Yacht Club (BMYC) three star member and major donor.
Not to forget George George Duffield and Chris Gorell Barnes, the executive producer of the award winning film The End of the Line who together co-founded the Blue Marine Foundation as a legacy project of the film. HelloMonaco noted in talking to them how the BMF was formed with the aim of fixing what it describes as “the largest solvable problem on the planet – the crisis in the oceans”.
And so, as champagne flowed around the Palace square to celebrate the cyclists remarkable journey. These cyclists have not only conquered the road but have also helped pave the way toward a healthier and more protected marine ecosystem. Their tireless efforts remind us all that we must pull together to safeguard the oceans that sustain life on our planet following Prince Albert’s lead.
H.S.H. PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO is BMYC Founding Patron
“It is through strong institutional partnerships, such as the one between my Foundation and the Blue Marine Foundation that we can fight against climate change and manage our natural resources responsibly.”
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