Ahead of the Vuelta a España Grand Départ, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation brought together amateur cyclists and some of the sport’s biggest names for a special charity lap through the streets of the Principality…
The event took place on Monaco’s time trial course in the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II on Saturday, giving 17 participants the rare opportunity to experience the route prepared for the opening stage of the Vuelta. Each cyclist made a financial contribution, with the money raised going to support the Foundation’s work.
The amateurs were joined by an impressive group of former champions, including two-time Olympic time trial champion Fabian Cancellara, former road world champion Thor Hushovd and Olympic champion Alexandr Vinokourov.
Also taking part was Bjørn Maaseide, a leading figure in international beach volleyball and an ambassador for the Princess Charlene Foundation. He praised its work teaching children around the world to swim, describing its mission as a natural reflection of Princess Charlene’s own background as an Olympic swimmer.
Combining cycling, charity and the excitement surrounding the Vuelta, the lap provided a memorable curtain-raiser to one of the biggest sporting weekends Monaco has hosted.
Image: Stephane Danna