Viareggio – Monaco The Crossing 2026

This Friday, June 19, TT. SS. HH. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene attended the start of the third edition of “The Crossing”, the sporting and solidarity event organised by the Princess Charlene Foundation of Monaco.

For the first time, this adventure connects Viareggio, in Tuscany, to the Principality of Monaco through a unique 225-kilometer water bike course in the heart of the Mediterranean.

For nearly 24 hours of uninterrupted effort, seven teams composed of four high-level athletes take turns at sea to reach Monaco, with an arrival scheduled on the beach of Larvotto this Saturday, June 20.

Organized since 2020, The Crossing carries a strong dual message:
Raise awareness of drowning prevention and water safety, which are at the heart of the missions of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation; Promote ocean conservation and the protection of marine areas, supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

This edition also has a particular environmental dimension, since the race crosses the Pelagos Sanctuary, vast protected marine area shared between France, Italy and Monaco, and largest European sanctuary dedicated to the protection of marine mammals.

Before the start, the Couple Princier, in the presence of the Italian authorities, Stéphanie Barneix, Race Director, and HE Mrs Anne Eastwood, Ambassador of Monaco to Italy, handed over two water bikes to the Guardia Pirate of Viareggio in order to pay tribute to its valuable contribution to the organization of this event. After an exchange ceremony of the Italian and Monegasque flags, followed by a blessing, H.S.S. Princess Charlene gave the official start of the race.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlène will be present tomorrow on the Larvotto beach to welcome and congratulate all the teams involved in this sporting, human and solidarity-based challenge.

Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Prince’s Palace