Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene is set to bring back one of the Principality’s most demanding charity sporting events this summer as The Crossing returns with a completely redesigned Mediterranean course linking Italy to Monaco.
Organised by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the endurance challenge will take place across June 19 and 20, with athletes covering 225 kilometres by water bike between Viareggio and Monaco.
This year’s edition introduces a new relay format crossing the protected Pelagos Sanctuary, the internationally recognised marine conservation zone shared by France, Italy and Monaco. Competitors will travel continuously across the route, rotating in teams of four through day and night conditions before arriving at Larvotto Beach.
The event combines endurance sport with environmental awareness and charitable fundraising, while continuing the Foundation’s long-running focus on water safety and drowning prevention.
Beyond the athletic challenge itself, organisers hope the race will draw attention to the importance of swimming education and access to lifesaving water skills — central pillars of the Foundation’s international work.
Supporters will be able to follow the progress of the race online in real time, while donations linked to the event will contribute directly to programmes promoting swimming instruction, child safety and sport-based education initiatives around the world.
Since its launch, The Crossing has steadily evolved into one of the more distinctive fixtures on Monaco’s charity sports calendar — blending elite endurance, environmental symbolism and the Principality’s close relationship with the Mediterranean Sea.