The Champagne and Oysters Cycle Club’s fundraising St Tropez to Monaco bike ride is due to take place on Sunday, April 23, offering an opportunity for professional and amateur cyclists to pedal for a good cause.
Due to coronavirus, it’s been four years since the last charity bike ride. This year’s 140-km route kicks off at 08:00from St Tropez, with cyclists estimated to arrive in Monaco at 17:00. The event then wraps up with a fun-filled street party, including food and live music, offering the perfect opportunity to celebrate the end of the ride, the organisers say.
The COCC was established in 2011 by seven friends with a passion for cycling. The club has grown over the years, and the annual fundraising bike ride from St Tropez to Monaco now attracts a slew of support from celebrities and international personalities. Past riders have included HSH Prince Albert II, professional cyclists, and Formula One drivers.
Pedal for a cause
The annual bike ride, now in its ninth year, will donate the funds raised to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the organisation that works to improve water safety for everyone through a range of programmes, including teaching children to swim.
There are an estimated 372,000 drowning deaths each year across the world, with drowning being the leading cause of unintentional injury/death worldwide. Individuals with increased access to water have a higher risk of drowning.
Established in 2012 by former Olympic swimmer Princess Charlene, the foundation has helped more than 1,000,000 people through over 510 projects spanning more than 43 countries.
Damian Crean, one of the event organisers and co-founder, said: “Anyone who sees what the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation does should be willing to support.”
Sponsorship opportunities
Each year, the bike ride typically raises some 100,000 euros; however, this year the organisers are hoping to raise even more by encouraging Monaco businesses to get behind this worthy cause by either donating directly to the foundation or sponsoring the event.
For businesses wishing to sponsor the COCC Bike Ride there are a variety of options. Riders are always welcome to donate as well, of course, with participants required to raise a minimum of 1,000 euros in sponsorship. This also covers the riders’ professional kit, mechanical backup, insurance, brunch at the halfway point, water and energy supplies, as well as a contribution to the charity and 1 ticket for the after-party.
Become part of the event
If you are interested in taking part in this year’s ride, application forms are available on the website www.coccmonaco.com/apply. The other option is to send an email to info@coccmonaco.com, and we will get back to you. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 1.
https://coccmonaco.com/
https://www.instagram.com/official.cocc/
PHOTO: COCC members take a break in Nice on the way to Monaco