THE LONDON TO MONACO BIKE RIDE:
Pushing for change
One of the ways we at Damen Yachting support ocean conservation is through the annual “London to Monaco” bike ride. For the sixth time, our most passionate bikers took to the saddle and pushed their pedals across Europe to encourage donations to the Blue Marine Foundation.
Donate to ocean conservation
In the last five years, 480 riders from 17 countries, sponsors and event partners have helped raise over £2 million for ocean conservation. During this time, the Damen Yachting team has proudly contributed over €50,000 through sponsorship. As a shipyard, protecting our oceans is a key motivator and we are proud to continue our support of this wonderful initiative.
Photo's: Blue Marine Foundation
Pedalling for change
With the 2023 edition just completed, it took eight days for our eight cyclists to complete the 1,200km across Europe to Monaco together with several other teams from the yachting industry. Having set off from the start line at London’s Somerset House, the peloton arrived on the streets of Monaco outside the Monaco Palace where many supporters stood waiting for the fleet to cross the finish line.
Our Damen Yachting team f.l.t.r: Stefan van Damme, Joost Weemaes, Gerben Sikkema, Olly Lewis, Deniza Avamil, Michel Coens, Rob Luijendijk and Gerwin Supheert.
For our team of cyclists, who are all based in the Netherlands, a highlight of the trip was riding through Switzerland. Here, the mountain roads are steep but undeniably rewarding. These inclines are much different to the flat roads found in the Netherlands, as are the views across the valleys and forests.
Photo: Blue Marine Foundation
The Blue Marine Foundation
What kept these cyclists going was the cause they were riding for: the Blue Marine Foundation. Blue Marine Foundation’s mission is to see at least 30% of the world’s ocean under effective protection by 2030 and the other 70% managed in a responsible way. In order to do this, the Foundation is involved in projects such as sustainable fishing development and marine habitat restoration.
A huge thank you to our cyclists Michel Coens, Rob Luijendijk, Deniza Avamil, Olly Lewis, Gerben Sikkema, Gerwin Supheert, Stefan van Damme and Joost Weemaes, as well as all those who donated and Blue Marine Foundation’s cycle tour partner, Just Pedal.
Photo's: Blue Marine Foundation
Video London 2 Monaco 2022
