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Month: January 2022

“My ambition is to make the top 30”

by: Luke Entwistle
31/01/2022

Before heading out to Beijing as the Monegasque flag-bearer at the Winter Olympics, skier Arnaud Alessandria spoke to Monaco Life about the highs and lows of his journey.

On 4th February in the Beijing National Stadium, Arnaud Alessandria will add his name to the miniscule list of athletes who have had the honour of bearing the Monaco flag in an Olympic ceremony.

The unveiling of Monaco’s latest flag-bearer in the ballroom of the Monaco Yacht Club on 18th January carried a greater symbolism than the regular pre-Olympic formality, the Monegasque flag representing a baton as it was passed from one flag-bearer to the next. Prince Albert II, who has carried the flag three times for Monaco at the Winter Olympics, now bestows the responsibility upon Alessandria, who will fulfil the role for the first time in two weeks.

As Alessandria prepares to wave the Monaco flag aloft in the National Stadium in Beijing, he doesn’t feel the burden of expectation that the role implies. “To be the flag-bearer is an honour,” he tells Monaco Life. “I think it can only be a bonus, and it will further boost me for these Olympics.”

His journey to becoming flag-bearer of his nation has been far from linear and riddled with setbacks. Only a few weeks ago, the skier was involved in a crash in Tarvisio, but his reaction to this is indicative of a determination that has brought him to this point. “I’m doing well. Just a little sprain, so I passed through the hands of the physical therapists, who have put everything back in place and today it’s all good,” he says light-heartedly.

But tantamount to his physical capacity to bounce back is this unwavering self-confidence, leaving him undeterred even in the face of this pre-competition crash. “We’re in a sport where we fall often, so that doesn’t dent my confidence. Just until the departure (to China), I need to get back on the skis to get back into the swing of things.”

Photo of Arnaud Alessandria by Jo Jo Harper

Supplementing the confidence he has in his own ability is the experience of having already competed at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014. A 39th place finish in the Men’s Downhill and a 36th in the Men’s Super Combined Downhill on the Russian slopes provides a basis upon which to build. “I can take my experience, and arrive there knowing what to expect, and be more of a participant in the event rather than being overwhelmed by the event,” adds the 28-year-old Monegasque.

Alessandria had initially been hoping to put this experience to use in Pyeongchang in 2018. Not only would he not improve on his 2014 result, he wouldn’t even board the plane to South Korea. With only a matter of days before his expected departure, a cruel turn of events deprived Alessandria of his place in the Olympic team.

With the Monegasque Olympic quota reduced, it was Alessandria who missed out, the timing of the decision, he says, was particularly devastating: “It was a very last-minute decision, I found out about a week before the departure. It was very hard, very hard, because you prepare a lot for an event like that.”

His omission from the team was undoubtedly a sucker-punch. His reaction was, however, indicative of who he is, both as a person and as an athlete. “It has allowed me to bounce back, to work and train harder, to progress so that it doesn’t happen again.” His work since has not only allowed him to return to the fold, but he will do so in style when he leads out his compatriots in the opening ceremony on Friday 4th February.

Like many, preparation for the competition has been marked by the disruption that the global pandemic precipitated. “It has disturbed our preparation. We are used to going to Argentina or Chile in September, so that wasn’t possible, and it’s been impossible for two years now,” he reveals. “So, it’s a bit complicated. Even in Europe with the lockdowns and the restrictions, we’ve had less opportunity to train.”

As well as the epidemiological situation, the build-up to the event has been dominated by a hostile political backdrop. The noise surrounding China’s human rights abuses has only intensified as the games have drawn closer. Questions have been asked about the country’s treatment of the marginalised Uyghur community, whilst the disappearance of Chinese professional tennis player Peng Shuai in December provided an untimely reminder of China’s record, with the start of the games in sight.

Alessandria though is fully concentrated on the task in hand. “I think we’re there to provide sport, to provide a spectacle, and everything that is political isn’t really up to us to judge.” The Monegasque’s objectives are clear, telling Monaco Life, “I want to improve (on my 2014 performance). My ambition is to be in the top 30 in the downhill, so I will just give it my all.”

Alessandria’s flight out to China on 28th January has brought an end to the eight-year wait to compete in his second Winter Olympics. The disappointment of 2018 hasn’t been consigned to the history books. Instead, it is a source of inspiration for Alessandria, who will call on a wealth of experience, both positive and negative, in the search for Olympic glory on the slopes of the Chinese capital this month.

 

SEE ALSO:

Former Olympian Prince presents Monaco’s winter athletes

 

 

 

Prince’s Foundation initiates new polar summit

by: Stephanie Horsman
31/01/2022

A new polar symposium will be held in February bringing together top scientists to talk about the effects of climate change on the polar regions and how those effects are changing the Earth as a whole.

The polar regions of the planet have been areas of concern for climatologists for years. In October 2021, scientists estimated that nearly 75% of Arctic sea ice has disappeared, while last summer, the Arctic ice area was the smallest it has been for a millennia. The Antarctic has a rosier picture, showing a stabilisation of ice thickness and area, but temperature rises there are making for an uncertain future.

In response to this situation, which of late has been overshadowed by the global pandemic, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, along with the Scientific Committee on Arctic Research (SCAR) and the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), have joined with the Oceanographic Institute, the Prince Albert I Foundation and the UN Decade for Ocean Science for Sustainable Development to create The Cold is Getting Hot!, a hybrid in-person and online symposium being held 24th and 25th February.

Leading scientific figures will discuss how fast and in what ways the polar region’s changes are affecting the Earth’s climate and living systems, as well as how it is a concern for the population-at-large.

The two-day event will feature talks from experts and key partners about the management, policies and actions being taken at international and regional levels and will spotlight how science’s role remains of the utmost importance.

In all, there will be four sessions. The scheduled talks are ‘Understanding changes in the poles’, ‘Contribution of polar changes to the global climate’, ‘Effects of polar changes upon global human societies and economies’, and ‘Management responses in the face of uncertainties’.

The Cold is Getting Hot! will take place at the Oceanographic Museum on 24th February from 9am to 16:30pm, and on the 25th from 8:30am to 4pm. A conference website will soon be launched for more information. Registration for the virtual event is not required, but for in-person spaces, email acarter@fpa2.org to book.

 

 

Photo by Danielle Barnes on Unsplash

 

 

 

Work from home extended

by: Stephanie Horsman
31/01/2022

The government has announced an extension of the remote working mandate in both public and private sectors until 4th March, thus prolonging the rule for two additional weeks.

Working from home has become the norm for many, and with the continuing health situation hanging in the balance, the government has decided to extend the directive.

Originally scheduled to end 18th February, the new date is now set for 4th March, two weeks after the start of the winter half term holiday. The government says this is “in order to measure the possible impact on the health situation” with the goal of limiting the spread of the virus by reducing the flow of people and face-to-face interactions whilst still maintaining economic activity.

In the public sector, remote work is continuing for all except for those working in reception. Private sector employees are required to work from home if their activity is “compatible with its exercise and the employer can provide suitable equipment.”

For those who remain on-site, mask-wearing during coffee breaks and when in close contact are still required.

The local and regional data have spurred concern amongst authorities, with a “worrying deterioration”. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) Regional Health Authority said on 25th January that “the circulation of the virus has never been so high in the PACA region” with an incidence rate of 3,904 cases per 100,000 inhabitants versus 3,181 the week before.

Monaco, too, remains high but has seen a stabilisation and gradual decrease in incidence rate to reach 1,890, down from around 2,200 the previous week. Hospital admissions are also extremely high at 85 on Monday 31st January, however the number of patients in ICU is down to just one. The death of a 90-year-old resident on Sunday brings Monaco’s Covid-related death total to 47.

The Principality’s closest neighbour, the Alpes-Maritimes, has also seen a slow decline in cases, saying that as of 30th January, they were on the sixth consecutive day without a rise, but numbers remain high with an incidence rate of 3,657 per 100,000.

In January 2022, a total of 1,028 Monegasque companies equalling 10,307 workers told the Labour Department they had implemented work-from-home schemes into their scheduling.

 

 

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

 

 

 

James Joyce takes centre stage at Irish Library

by: Stephanie Horsman
31/01/2022

The Princess Grace Irish Library has announced that James Joyce will be at the centre of its cultural theme for the year, focusing on his masterpiece Ulysses, as well as on Dublin and other cities that inspired the great author.  

It’s almost impossible to believe that the James Joyce epic novel Ulysses is turning a hundred years old in 2022.

The Irish author’s great work first hit bookstores on 2nd February 1922 not in his beloved Dublin, but at Paris’s famed Shakespeare & Company, the book’s publishers.

Though never officially banned in Ireland, Ulysses was not available in Joyce’s homeland for fear that it would be. The United States and Britain both barred the sale of the book outright on the grounds that it contained obscene content, such as explicit references to the human body, and that it harboured anti-war sentiments.

As part of the centenary celebration, the Princess Grace Irish Library has loaned its first edition copy of Ulysses to the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris where it will remain until April, then this rare edition will come home where it will go on display at the library.

The library will be also hosting several lectures and events in the coming months. Writer Neal Doherty will give a talk on 24th February, guiding his audience through a tour of Dublin that will almost feel like one is walking along O’Connell Street.

Then on 16th March in the run up to Saint Patrick’s Day, a musical performance will be held by students from the Academie de Musique Rainier III.

Until 30th April, visitors to the library can enjoy the photo exhibition featuring Prince Albert II’s trip to Ireland with Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella in September 2021.

On 28th April, award-winning author Nuala O’Connor will talk about her latest book, Nora: A Love Story of Nora Barnacle and James Joyce, which has been named as the One Dublin, One Book choice for 2022. Actors from the Monaco-Ireland Arts society will perform dramatic readings of the personal letters exchanged between Joyce and his muse and wife.

The 25th of March will see another Irish-themed event. This one is not put on by the library, though it is promoted by them. The Monaco-Ireland Arts Society will take to the stage to interpret pieces by the playwright Eugene O’Neill at the Auditorium at College Charles III in Monaco.

The Princess Grace Irish Library was inaugurated in 1984 by Prince Rainier III as a tribute to Princess Grace, who felt a strong tie to her Irish heritage. Amongst the collections are Princess Grace’s personal books, Irish-American sheet music, photos and art works.

 

 

 

Clinical Monaco advance to quarter-finals

by: Luke Entwistle
31/01/2022

A blistering first-half performance from Monaco was enough to see-off RC Lens in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France on Sunday, the Principality side coming out eventual 4-2 winners.

During the pre-match press conference on Friday, Philippe Clement gave Monaco Life a starkly accurate prognosis. “I’m certain that everybody will be happy with the match, because there will be two teams that are trying to win.”

As predicted by the Belgian manager, both teams put in an exhibition of gung-ho attacking football, with four goals coming before the break. It was Lens who looked the more likely to take the ascendency early-on. Vito Mannone, deputising for the injured Alexander Nubel and Radoslaw Majecki, pulled off a stunning save in the opening minutes, tipping a dipping Seko Fofana drive onto the crossbar.

The Italian keeper was called into action just minutes later, this time Gael Kakuta forcing a save. Having weathered an early storm, Monaco grew into the match, a fluid, interchanging offensive unit causing problems for the Lens defence.

It was a piece of magic that broke the deadlock. Caio Henrique, reverting back to his familiar left-back berth, put in an inch-perfect cross, landing right on the head of Wissam Ben Yedder, who made no mistake with the finish.

That goal opened the floodgates. Jean Lucas, who was yet to score for the Principality side since his summer move, converted a neat pass from Gelson Martins. The Brazilian then turned provider for Sofiane Diop just seconds later, laying off the Frenchman to smash into the roof of an empty net.

The 10-minute siege on the Lens goal looked to have decided the tie, but the Pas-de-Calais side grabbed one back before the break in fortuitous circumstances. Following a Mannone double save, Wesley Said slotted home, though replays showed he was in an offside position, the lack of VAR preventing a reprieve for Monaco.

Arnaud Kalimuendo’s sumptuous curling drive just after half-time put the pressure on Monaco, as their seemingly unassailable lead looked like slipping away. Both sides had chances in the second-half. Diop should have done better from a Jean Lucas flick, and Mannone continued to frustrate Lens, tallying up 10 saves on the night.

Ben Yedder then killed the game in the dying stages, driving home an Aurelien Tchouameni pass after the latter had done well to intercept. With that, progression to the Quarter-finals was secured, as they look to go one further than their appearance in last year’s final.

Post-match, Clement was clearly pleased with his side’s offensive effort, saying. “To score four times here, in beautiful style, makes us very happy.” He was particularly happy with the way that they withstood Lens’ second-half barrage. “We knew that they’d start the second-half strongly, but our team reacted well to the pressure applied by Lens, who were particularly dangerous with their long-range shots.”

Monaco next face Lyon next Saturday in a mammoth tie at the Stade Louis II.

 

 

Photo source: AS Monaco

 

 

 

ASM Women’s historic cup run ends

by: Luke Entwistle
30/01/2022

AS Monaco Women’s incredible Coupe de France run came to an end against a superior Reims side, the visitors running away 4-0 winners as Prince Albert II and the twins watched on.

The masses descended on a chilly Stade du Prince Hereditaire Jacques on Saturday night to witness the side’s first ever appearance in the round of 16 of the domestic cup competition. Amongst the 300 in attendance were Prince Albert II, Prince Jacques, Princess Gabriella and Louis Ducruet, who all hoped to witness yet more history for the side.

Monaco’s intentions were clear from the offset. Clearly content with allowing Reims the lion’s share of possession, Monaco opted not to press, instead choosing to sit deep in a stubborn low-block.

Despite Monaco’s numerical commitment to the defensive effort, Reims’ creativity still successfully manufactured space in dangerous areas. The away side had the ball in the net in the opening moments only for the offside flag to come to the rescue of the Principality side.

Against the run-of-play, it was Monaco who had the first big chance of the match, Bree Fuller’s strike from inside the box was well-parried by the Reims keeper. To get in level at the break, Monaco would have to survive a late barrage on their own goal. Vicki Becho Desbonne spurned a hat-trick of gilt-edged chances before the break, as Monaco continued to frustrate their superiorly ranked visitors.

That resistance was, however, broken just seconds after the restart. Desbonne finally got on the scoresheet with a neat back-heel into an open net with the keeper found wandering. Reims’ wasted no time putting the tie to bed. Just seconds later, Sonia Ouchene’s brilliant long-range strike found the back of the net via the woodwork.

Prince Albert and Louis Ducruet supporting the Monaco women’s team, by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life

With their stiff resistance broken, Monaco then had to chase the game. In committing increased numbers to the attack, they left themselves vulnerable at the back, and Reims tore them apart time after time. Only Reims’ wastefulness prevented a more emphatic scoreline.

Melchie Dumornay added a third just after the hour mark, and the scoreline was completed as Rachel Corboz added a fourth in the final minute. Post-match, the Monaco players displayed their gratitude for the Prince’s attendance, presenting him with a shirt signed by the whole squad.

Following the gifting of the jersey, captain for the night Maria Ferreira Sanches told Monaco Life that she was proud of the team, despite the loss. “To play against such a side was a proud moment for us. We played a very good first-half, the second unfortunately wasn’t quite as good. I really don’t think we can have any regrets, and we deserved to be here tonight against a great team that was worthy of their win,” she said.

Monaco have won all of their R1 matches this season, and Sanches says that their focus is now firmly on their domestic division. “Until today we were unbeaten in the championship and in all the cup matches. That was our first defeat, but it doesn’t have the same taste. Our objective now is to get promotion into the D2. We’re going to learn from this match.”

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Top photo by Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life