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More than 60 cyclists set off today on an epic eight-day ride of endurance from London to Monaco, spanning five countries and 1000 kilometres, in aid of ocean conservation charity Blue Marine Foundation.
Back on the road for the first time since the COVID pandemic cancelled two previous events, London to Monaco 2022’s £250,000 fundraising target has already been achieved, in what could prove to be the most successful event yet. The four previous rides, which ran 2016 – 2019, secured a combined £1.7 million.
The completion of the ride will be marked by a fundraising auction, led by Blue Marine’s Yacht Club, the Blue Marine Yacht Club (BMYC) featuring four carefully curated, “money-can’t-buy” lots. This inaugural capsule auction on 28 September marks the yacht club’s tenth year – cofounded by Blue Marine and launched by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Club’s Founding Patron, in 2012 in Monaco.
Among the exquisite lots is an ocean-inspired, custom-designed style icon — a Blue Marine electric MOKE, manufactured in the UK by MOKE, customised by Steve Edge Design, supported by Rustic Jules. Also available is a beautifully hand-crafted wooden surfboard sponsored by Blue Marine partner, Adnams, an exclusive trip to St.Barts, staying at, and gifted by, Le Toiny, followed by a few days on Saba Island as well as a tailor-made ten-day discovery experience exploring the untouched gems of the Dutch Caribbean, boasting a 200-meter dive beneath the ocean by submarine, organised by Blue Marine partner Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance.
To show our respects for the recent passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, this Tuesday 20 September, a black ribbon will be cut to mark the start of this year’s 2022 London to Monaco – the fifth edition. Participating riders will also be offered black ribbon arm ties to wear in recognition that the ride begins just a day after a period of national mourning for the UK.
The route then takes riders east out of London towards the Port of Harwich in Essex, where, after an overnight ferry, the team arrives in the Netherlands, a country making its London to Monaco debut. Riders will continue through Belgium into France through roads made famous by the Spring Classics including sections of the Tour of Flanders. After heading south through France, the ride enters the French Alps where extraordinary views, famous cols and legendary Tour de France roads await, before finally arriving in Monaco to a champagne finish and personal welcome by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco said: “The London to Monaco cycle ride is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness on the necessity to protect our fragile oceans.”
Among those taking part are BMYC supporters and veteran L2M cyclists including Andrew Winch, Co-Founder of Winch Design and Co-Founders of London to Monaco, as well as Gary Wright, Co-Founder of Y.CO. Gary will be participating in the whole 8-day ride for the third time in a row and is generously sponsoring the support vehicles through Y.CO. Taking part also are Corporate Teams Amels and new riders and crew, from the superyacht DreAMBoat, who have made a generous donation of $200k via the Arthur Blank M Family Foundation. Stalwart Blue Marine Major Partner, Lurssen, is also entering a corporate team for the first time and sponsoring the arrival and departure events in London and Monaco.
Sara-Jane Skinner, Head of Partnerships at Blue Marine said “Each year we are overwhelmed by both the support and fortitude of individuals and corporate partners who take part in this ride. The funds go a long way to providing a better future for the ocean, working towards Blue Marine’s ambition to see 30 per cent of the ocean highly protected by 2030, so that the ocean might safeguard our future in return. We are particularly excited to be introducing BMYC’s inaugural auction to mark the end of the ride, offering some incredible exclusive products and experiences.”
Find out more about the charity auction and register your interest to bid by proxy or by phone at www.bmyc-auction.com.
