15 ° C
Profile

Month: December 2021

Monaco finish year on a high

by: Luke Entwistle
23/12/2021

AS Monaco secured an impressive victory against a Rennes side that Nico Kovac had dubbed “the best in the league”. The 2-1 victory on Wednesday lifts Monaco to sixth in the Ligue 1 table.
It was a special night at the Stade Louis II, with fans groups and youngsters packing the stands to support the side for the final time this year.
The Principality side began the fixture brightly, once again dominating possession and pressing high, this despite a change in formation that saw the side line-up in a 4-4-2.
It was Rennes, however, who took the lead. A lovely interchange with Gaetan Laborde and Martin Terrier saw the latter in on goal, and the French striker made no mistake, slotting past Aleksandr Nubel.
But Monaco were undeterred and got their reward half way through the first-half. Caio Henrique’s header across the Rennes box struck Hamari Traore’s arm, but was initially inexplicably missed by the referee. A quick VAR check amended the error, Wissam Ben Yedder stepping up to level the score from the spot in typically emphatic style. The French international striker is currently experiencing a purple patch, scoring six goals in his last eight games.
In a match that was largely devoid of opportunities, it was Monaco’s efficiency in front of goal that proved the difference. A beautiful glancing header from Kevin Volland from a volleyed Sofiane Diop cross put Monaco in the lead.
Rennes pushed for an equaliser late on, Baptiste Sanramria saw his effort clip off the top of the bar, and Benjamin Bourigeaud saw his late effort saved by Nubel.
Monaco did, however, hold on to secure a vital win against a rival for the European places. The win also means Monaco finished the year on a high, prompting Kovac to reflect on the team’s success in 2021.
“It has been a very successful year. At the start of the season we had a few problems, but step-by-step we are progressing and we will try to continue in this way in 2022,” said the Croat manager. “It is great to reduce the gap between the teams just before Christmas. We will be able to spend the holidays carefree.”
Monaco now find themselves a mere two points off the European places going into the Christmas break. On their return on 2nd January, they face a difficult trip to Quevilly-Rouen in the Coupe de France, before returning to Ligue 1 action away to Nantes a week later.

 
Photo source: AS Monaco
 
 
 

Over 1,200 cancer specialists meeting in Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/12/2021

The Grimaldi Forum is welcoming the 15th Monegasque Cancer Biennial in January where doctors, researchers and professors will come together to talk about the latest advances in oncology, haematology and pharmaceuticals.

Cancer is a major killer. It is the leading cause of death for men and second leading cause for women with one in two men and one in three women being diagnosed with the disease by the time they are 85.

For 30 years, Monegasque Cancer Biennial has brought together French-speaking health professionals to present and assess all the advances in patient care, diagnostics, therapeutic treatments and available screening and treatment technologies to help those with cancer survive and thrive.

In January, more than 1,200 doctors, professors, students and researchers will converge on the Grimaldi Forum, offering 76 scientific workshops and talks to professionals in the field.

“The Monegasque Cancer Biennial is the major meeting place for our specialties,” says Professor of Oncology Xavier Pivot, President of the Biennial. “It provides an update on the state of our progress in all disciplines and to disseminate knowledge as widely as possible on the means of the fight and the evolutions to come, against cancer. It is a place of exchange where knowledge is shared and alliances are formed to create the conditions for greater therapeutic effectiveness.

Professor Pivot, who is also Managing Director of the Paul Strauss Centre and Administrator of the Regional Cancer Institute in Strasbourg, reveals that “This year a very large place is given to recent advances in biotechnology. They increase the innovations in our arsenal of patient care, such as the conjugation of cytotoxics to specific therapeutic antibodies. The first members of this family have already shaken up our therapeutic strategies. The Biennale will make it possible to take stock of the new possibilities offered by these biotechnologies.”

The 15th Monegasque Cancer Biennial will be organised by Publi Création with the support of AFISM and under the aegis of the Scientific Centre of Monaco and the Princess Grace Hospital of Monaco, and will cover a vast array of cancer-related topics including cancers in the elderly, paediatric cancers, breast cancer, medical imaging, sarcomas, radiotherapy, and haematology.

The event will be held from 26th to 29th January 2022 at the Grimaldi Forum. All health measures must be adhered to for entry. Streaming sessions will also be available and can be found on the event’s website at https://biennalecancerologie.org/2022/ where more information can also be found. 

 
 

Photo source: Grimaldi Forum

 
 
 

Tickets now on sale for new Wizz Air routes

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/12/2021

Hungarian airline company Wizz Air has announced four new routes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, including two new destinations, for the upcoming year.
Nice Côte d’Azur airport is France’s second busiest. It is no wonder, then, that airlines take full advantage of expanding out of this dynamic hub.
Wizz Air is the latest to do so, announcing on 21st December that tickets are now on sale for the four new destinations the company has on offer. Two of the destinations on the cards for travellers are new. The first is Tirana, the capital of Albania, which will be available from 28th March 2022, and the second is Cluj, in northwest Romania, which starts service from 1st August.
As of 29th March, an additional flight to both Belgrade and Naples will be available.
“In the current context, the announcement by Wizz Air of the opening of four new destinations is a strong signal of the airline’s confidence in the attractiveness of our territory. It is part of a buoyant dynamic, marked by the return of many air routes, in particular the transatlantic long-haul routes,” said Franck Goldnadel, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Airports of the Côte d´Azur.
Wizz Air is a Hungarian airline based out of Budapest. The airline serves many European destinations, as well as some in the Middle East and North Africa. The company currently offers flights to Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Italy from Nice.
 
 
 

Monaco-made polar e-explorer starts service at South Pole

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/12/2021

Venturi, the Monaco-based electric vehicle manufacturer, has delivered the first electric polar exploration vehicle to its destination at the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Station, giving teams a completely eco-friendly mode of transport to carry out their missions.

The South Pole is an unforgiving destination. With average winter temperatures of -60ºC, it is not a place to leave things to chance. So, when Monaco-based electric vehicle maker Venturi set about building a mode of transportation for the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica Station, it had to be made to withstand these frigid conditions, thinking not only of the practicalities involved, but also of the environment.

The result was the Venturi Antarctica, the first electric vehicle with caterpillar tracks made to conquer the harsh climate whilst keeping with the stations zero emissions policy.

“Almost 12 years ago to the day, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco returned from a trip to Antarctica and told me that the scientific research stations did not have clean vehicles,” says Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi. “Through the Prince Albert II Foundation, Venturi was then entrusted with the task of providing a zero-emission solution that would enable access to areas of scientific study.”

The finished vehicle was presented to Prince Albert II on World Environment Day last June, as reported at the time by Monaco Life, before making its way to the South Pole. Now fully operational and in use, the Antarctica has already been used by the scientists to access parts of East Antarctica, with only limited disturbance to the fragile ecosystem and emitting no greenhouse gases.

Photo by Louis Marie Blondel

Several missions have been completed since the vehicle’s arrival less than a fortnight ago, including maintenance work on several automated weather observation stations and the new Belgian atmospheric observation station located at an altitude of 2,300 metres on the Antarctic Plateau. These journeys also allowed for scientists to make snow surface temperature readings, which are used to validate satellite measurement accuracy, and for a simulated emergency rescue to be performed involving a scenario where someone needed to be extracted from a crevasse.

The Antarctica’s design is unique and brought Venturi’s technical know-how into use. It is equipped with fold down benches, positioned lengthwise to accommodate up to six passengers, along with equipment and a second battery. The range on a single battery is up to 50 kilometres and it can withstand temperatures as low as -50ºC.

The vehicle will be aiding teams from the International Polar Foundation and the Belgian Polar Secretariat, who are both dedicated to maintaining a zero-emission station, the only on the continent. They work on projects including developing hydrogen sources and a high-performance water treatment system.

“Back in 2009 (when the idea to build Antarctica was conceived), there was no technology that allowed such a vehicle to operate on rough terrain at -50°C,” Pastor declared. “This third version of the Antarctica is now optimal. My teams and I are proud to supply this vehicle to the International Polar Foundation.”

Alain Hubert, founder and President of the International Polar Foundation goes on to say, “Our work with Venturi shows that any organisation can identify a range of solutions to climate issues. The remit of our foundation and Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth station is very clear: to offer scientists the opportunity to carry out their research in Antarctica from a first-class base that also produces zero emissions. The tests conducted to date have been very convincing, and we are delighted to be able to continue our involvement in improving the energy performance of this vehicle in service of science.”

 
 
Top photo by Sarah Del Ben, Venturi
 
 
 

Princess shares illustrated Christmas portrait on social media

by: Stephanie Horsman
22/12/2021

Princess Charlene has shared an illustrated Christmas family portrait on her Instagram page, showing a stylised illustration of the family next to a Christmas tree.

In the illustration, the Princess stands by Prince Albert’s side wearing a festive golden gown. Her hand is placed affectionately on his shoulder, whilst seven-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella stand in front of them. Gabriella is holding onto her mother’s arm with one hand and has her other one draped across her brother’s shoulders – as she often does. She is also clutching a golden ornament, whilst Prince Jacques holds a silver bell.

Princess Charlene’s caption to the post reads, “Wishing everyone a beautiful and safe festive season, all my love.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXwL4FgsVSm/
 

The Princess is currently away from Monaco receiving treatment for physical and emotional exhaustion after a several month ordeal with an ear, nose and throat infection. She was grounded in South Africa for six months and returned to Europe in November.

 
 
 

ASM v Rennes preview: The supporters’ match

by: Luke Entwistle
22/12/2021

AS Monaco’s final match of 2021 has been dedicated to the fans, with youngsters and fan groups invited to support the side in their difficult tie against Rennes on Wednesday night.
Monaco fans’ have truly lived up to their slogan “Everywhere, always” this season, with Monaco taking a large following all around Europe. Last week, during the loss to PSG at the Parc des Princes, Monaco filled their 1,000 allocation, prompting the hierarchy of the club to recognise their continued support.
Amongst those to have taken up the offer are Liguria-based Italian fan group ‘Biancorossa’, who unfurled their banner for the first time against Red Star on Sunday. The group told Monaco Life that they are grateful for the gesture. “We think this event is a great way to say thank you to the fans for their support, and also to underline their importance,” said the group’s manager Mattia Rossi. “Furthermore, to organise all this just before Christmas is a very kind idea.”
The ‘Biancorossa’ group also sought to highlight the kindness shown by the club prior to this special fixture. “Personally, I would like to thank the AS Monaco Supporter Liaison Officer Paul Beurai, because he allowed all the children from amateur football teams from the Liguria region to attend the Stade Louis II for free, for this match, but also for a previous match played in December,” added Rossi.

Nico Kovac will be hoping that the home support can spur his side on to victory against a team that he has proclaimed are the best in the league. In Tuesday’s pre-match press conference, the Croat manager stated that, “Every game is difficult, and this game is very hard, because for me, at the moment, Rennes are the top team in Ligue 1.”
Kovac went on to wax lyrical about the various qualities of the opponent. “This is a top group of players. The coach is doing a great job, and the players are performing on a high level. Physically they are very intensive, very direct, very front-footed in attack, but also in defence. They play with a high line, play nice, fast football. This looks like a modern football team. There is no one player that is the star. This is a group, and this is the main strength of the team.”
Kovac will therefore be happy to welcome Benoit Badiashille back into the team as he returns from a thigh injury. However, he will still have to do without Ruben Aguilar who is still out with a broken nose, and Youssouf Fofana who is suspended.
Monaco currently sit in eighth position in Ligue 1, but a win on Wednesday night could take the Principality side as high as fifth if other results go their way. A win would also have the intangible benefit of finishing the year on a high, which would undoubtedly give the side momentum going into the new year.
 
 
Photo by AS Monaco