Dear Supporters and Friends of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa,
Congratulations to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and Gareth Wittstock, Secretary General, on the resounding success of The Crossing Calvi – Monaco 2024 Water Bike Challenge! This remarkable event, held from September 6th to 7th, saw five highly prepared teams embark on a physically challenging 180-kilometre journey from Calvi, Corsica, to Monaco—all on water bikes. It was a remarkable display of endurance, teamwork, and commitment to a great cause.
The second edition of ‘The Crossing Calvi – Monaco 2024 Water Bike Challenge‘ was launched at the Port of Calvi, with Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene present to support the athletes as they set off. This unique charity sports challenge aimed to reach Monaco in the shortest possible time, with each team of four athletes taking turns at sea to cover the distance. Over 24 hours, the athletes cycled in the relay, facing various conditions including wind, swell, fog, nightfall, and shifting weather patterns.
Beyond the incredible athletic performance, this event was designed to raise awareness about drowning prevention, water safety, and promote the sporting values upheld by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The funds raised from this event will directly support the Foundation’s life-saving programs, such as “Learn to Swim”, “Water Safety”, and “Sport & Education”.
Meet the Teams of the 2024 Water Bike Crossing
The Crossing Calvi – Monaco 2024 Water Bike Challenge featured five impressive teams, each composed of world-class athletes, celebrities, and sports enthusiasts who shared a commitment to the Foundation’s mission. Let’s take a closer look at the participants who pushed their limits to complete this incredible challenge:
Team Serenity
This star-studded team featured athletes from various sports disciplines, making them one of the most anticipated teams of the event. Leading the charge was Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish Formula 1 driver, alongside his partner, Australian cyclist Tiffany Cromwell. They were joined by renowned Slovakian cyclist Peter Sagan, a three-time world road race champion, and Gareth Wittstock, Secretary General of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. Team Serenity exemplified balance and precision, making them a formidable contender.
Team Lionheart
The Lionheart team brought together a diverse group of athletes with a shared determination to make an impact. Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, a French cycling champion and multi-discipline rider, was a standout. Joining her were entrepreneur Brandon Green, Swedish cyclist Gustav Larsson, and Harvey Bird, a passionate adventurer. Together, they brought immense dedication to the crossing, combining strength and strategy to take on the Mediterranean.
Congratulations to Team Lionheart on their incredible victory in this year’s Water Bike Challenge! You faced fierce competition from start to finish in a race that tested not only your physical fitness but also your mental resilience. Through tough conditions and fatigue, your determination and teamwork shone through. Well done for crossing the finish line first, and thank you for being such inspiring champions for the cause of water safety and drowning prevention.
Team Rock to Rock
Representing the Principality of Monaco itself, Team Rock to Rock featured local athletes and personalities, including Alexandre Baccili, Jacopo Marzocco, Jean-Baptiste Pastor, and Anthony Roustan. Their unity and connection to Monaco added an emotional element to their journey, as they cycled toward home. This team’s spirit and determination resonated with the message of the event, reminding everyone of the importance of community in preventing drownings.
Team Ferrari
As the name suggests, Team Ferrari was filled with speed and energy. Italian drivers, including Antonio Giovinazzi, Francesco Castellacci, and Alessandro Pier Guidi, took part alongside Guido Giovanelli from the BPM Group. Known for their quick reflexes and adaptability in motorsports, the team transferred their skills to water bikes, propelling them through the rough seas with precision and power.
Team U17
Team U17 brought a different kind of competitive edge to the race, led by Ukrainian boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. Joining Usyk were fellow boxer Daniel Lapin, sports enthusiast Dmytro Kovalenko, and French actor Nicolas Fache. The grit and resilience displayed by this team were a true testament to their fighting spirit, as they faced the unpredictable conditions of the Mediterranean crossing with bravery and heart.
A Message of Gratitude from Chantell Wittstock, CEO of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa
“On behalf of the South African chapter of the Foundation, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and Gareth Wittstock for another spectacular and impactful event. Your dedication to raising awareness for drowning prevention and water safety continues to inspire us all. To Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene, we are in awe of your vision, passion, and leadership. The success of this event is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together to save lives. We are proud to be part of this global mission and look forward to continuing this important work in South Africa.”
A Global Call for Action
While the 2024 Water Bike Crossing has come to a close, the need for drowning prevention continues. Each year, too many lives are lost to preventable drowning accidents, and it is through events like this that we can spread awareness and fund critical programs to stop these tragedies. The Foundation is calling for donations to support the “Learn to Swim”and “Water Safety” initiatives, ensuring that children and adults alike receive the education and training they need to stay safe in the water.
Join the Mission
The public was able to follow the journey in real time and engage with the athletes’ progress throughout the race. For those who missed the action, there is still an opportunity to contribute to the Foundation’s life-saving mission. By donating to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, you are helping to fund vital programs that teach swimming skills, promote water safety, and empower communities to prevent drownings.
Let’s continue this journey together, as every contribution brings us closer to a world where water safety is a priority and lives are saved.
Warm Regards,
The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa Team
