More than 60 cyclists have set off on an eight-day ride from London to Monaco, spanning five countries and 1000 kilometres, in aid of ocean conservation charity Blue Marine Foundation.

Back on the road for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled two previous events, London to Monaco 2022’s £250,000 (c. €286,599) fundraising target has already been achieved, in what could prove to be the most successful event yet.

The four previous rides, which ran between 2016 to 2019, secured a combined £1.7 million (c. €1.9 million) for the charity.

The route takes riders east out of London towards the Port of Harwich in Essex, where, after an overnight ferry, the team will arrive in the Netherlands, a country making its London to Monaco debut.

Riders will then continue through Belgium into France, followed by the French Alps where extraordinary views and legendary Tour de France roads await, before finally arriving in Monaco to a champagne finish and personal welcome by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco commented, “The London to Monaco cycle ride is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness on the necessity to protect our fragile oceans.”

The completion of the ride will be also marked by a fundraising auction, led by the Blue Marine Yacht Club (BMYC), featuring four carefully curated lots.

Among the lots up for auction is a custom-designed Blue Marine electric MOKE, customised by Steve Edge Design and supported by Rustic…