Athletics: Records tumble at thrilling Herculis Meeting

24/07/2023

It was a historic night at the Stade Louis II on Friday as records tumbled at the Herculis Diamond League event.

A night of great promise lived up to expectations as world-class athletes in top form broke records on a scorching night in the Principality. The highlight of the night was Faith Kipyegon’s performance (pictured above) in the women’s mile. The Kenyan Olympic Champion smashed the current world record, set by Sifan Hassan in 2019, by almost five seconds (4:07.64).

She came into the competition in top form having already broken the 1500m and 5000m world records this year. Laura Muir also set a British record in the event (4:15.24) but that wasn’t enough for a podium as she finished fourth.

Reigning Olympic champion Karsten Warholm’s performance was much anticipated, and it didn’t disappoint. The Norwegian ran a 46.51 in the 400m hurdles, the fourth-quickest time in history, and a new series record.

Depleted Duplantis disappoints

One of the headliners of the event was Olympic Gold medalist Armand Duplantis. However, struggling with a thigh issue, the Swede missed out on the podium altogether. American Chris Nilsen (5.92m) profited from Duplantis’ missed step, ahead of Ernest John Obiena and Kurtis Marschall, who completed the podium.

More records were broken in the 110m Women’s Hurdles. Olympic Silver medalist Nia Ali won with a time of 12:30, breaking the meeting record, which was set just last year. That time also represents a personal best for the American athlete.

*Photo by Enrico Bottero for Monaco Life*

Hagos Gebrhiwet won the Men’s 5000m with a personal best (12:42.18) ahead of Berihu Aregawi and Telahun Haile Bekele. However, further back more records were beaten. Spanish runner Mohamed Katir smashed the European record with a time of 12:45.01, whilst Monaco Run winner Jimmy Gressier set a new French record (12:56.09).

Ferdinand Omanyala – blink and you miss him

There were no surprises in an explosive Women’s 200m race. Shericka Jackson won the event, followed by Julien Alfred and Dina Asher-Smith, the fastest woman in British history, to complete the podium.

Ferdinand Omanyala then concluded a spectacular night of athletics in style. The Kenyan won his first Diamon League 100m with a time of 9.92 seconds. He beat U20 World Champion Letsile Tebogo and Jamaican sprinter Ackeem Blake.

The spectacle was ensured at the Stade Louis II as the athletes prepare to head for the next Diamond League event in London. Everything is building towards the World Championships in Budapest in late August.

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Photo of Faith Kipyegon credit Enrico Bottero, Monaco Life

Saint Tropez: The ultra-cool beach pop-ups you need to know about this summer

by: Elsa Carpenter

24/07/2023

Designer beachside collaborations are the theme of the summer in Saint Tropez. Here’s everything you need to know.

Pampelonne, the sandy stretch of coastline just outside of the legendary Riviera harbour town of Saint Tropez, is home to some of the most iconic beach clubs in the whole of the south of France. But this summer, these ultra-glamourous addresses, which include the likes of Club 55, Nikki Beach and Byblos, are being joined by four designer pop-ups that are seriously upping the style ante.

Gucci at Loulou Ramatuelle

First up is a collaboration between Loulou Ramatuelle and Gucci, the latter of which has given this partnership absolutely everything it’s got in terms of presence. The Gucci look is all encompassing, from the sunny yellow parasols to the immediately recognisable navy, red and white bedecked loungers on the sand.

saint tropez beach pop-up gucci — *Full-on Gucci at Loulou Plage. Photo credit: Loulou Group*

To fully delve into the capsule collection housed in the pop-up boutique, replete with bold and colourful stripes, checks and “whimsical” fonts, you can book an appointment with a dedicated client advisor for a shopping experience fit for an A Lister.

And if you love Loulou establishments, be sure to check out the group’s newest endeavour right outside of Monaco: Loulou Pirate in Roquebrune Cap Martin. You can read all about it here.

Dior at Shellona Plage

Since 2017, Shellona has been wowing beachgoers with its relaxed bohemian vibe. Now it’s adding another level of cool thanks to a partnership with none other than luxury French fashion house Dior.

Dubbed “Dioriviera”, the brand has taken over the entire aesthetic of Shellona Beach this summer. Elements of the beloved Toile de Jouy in pinky hues are everywhere, from the deckchairs and loungers to parasols and elegantly placed scatter cushions. Inside, a pop-up boutique displays the seasonal capsule collection from Maria Grazia Chiuri.

*Discover the capsule Dioriviera collection at Shellona Plage until 20th September. Photo credit: Shellona Plage*

Jacquemus at Indie Beach

Given founder Simon Porte Jacquemus’ deep personal connections to the region – the 33-year-old designer hails from Salon-en-Provence – this pairing just feels right. The French fashion visionary has laid his signature style and emblem on the décor of Indie Beach and launched an ephemeral pop-up boutique displaying the Été capsule collection. This is a destination by night as much as by day so make sure to check out the beach’s Facebook page for the latest listing of artists and parties planned for the summer.

Loro Piana at La Réserve à la Plage

Further down the beach, at the Cap Camarat end, is the haven of La Réserve à la Plage. The vibe here is parred back – patrons at La Réserve enjoy a space away from the crowds and party atmosphere of much of Pampelonne Beach – which is perfect for its summer collaboration with the sophisticated Italian brand of Loro Piana.

*Pristine natural views abound at La Réserve à la Plage. Photo credit: La Réserve*

The partnership extends down to the sand, but fans of the classy fashion and homewares brand will love the shopping experience on offer at the pop-up boutique displaying the Resort 2023 collection.

*The pop-up Loro Piana boutique. Photo credit: La Réserve*

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Featured photo credit: Dior

Jonas Vingegaard wins back-to-back Tour de France titles

by: Luke Entwistle

24/07/2023

Jonas Vingegaard in the 2023 Tour de France

Jumbo-Visma rider Jonas Vingegaard defended his Tour de France title over the weekend, once again beating Tadej Pogacar to take the yellow jersey on the Champs Élysées.

Vingegaard ensured a repeat of 2022 as he came down the cobbles of the Champs Élysées on Sunday, arm-in-arm with his teammates, to take the yellow jersey.

Monaco resident Pogacar was left frustrated as he struggled to match Vingegaard’s pace, particularly in the latter stages of the tour. A time trial victory on Tuesday, followed by a victory in Wednesday’s queen stage, had sealed it for Danish Vingegaard, making Slovenian Pogacar’s victory on Saturday inconsequential.

A surprise sprint winner

Despite victory in the penultimate stage on Saturday, 24-year-old Pogacar finished seven minutes and 29 seconds behind 26-year-old Vingegaard. Britain’s Adam Yates, 30, finished third in the general classification, just ahead of twin brother Simon.

Sunday’s final stage is, by and large, a procession, with the yellow jersey winner already decided. However, winning the sprint on the iconic Champs Élysées is a dream for many riders.

25-year-old Jasper Philipsen of Belgium accomplished that dream last year and almost did so again in 2023. However, compatriot Jordi Meeus, also 25, beat Philipsen in a photo finish in what is his first attempt at the Tour.

Tour de France bids farewell to the Champs Élysées for now

Next year, the Arrivée won’t take place in Paris, but along Nice’s Promenade des Anglais. Due to France’s hosting of the Olympics, the final stage of the Tour will come instead to the south of France, with the final stage beginning in Monaco and heading down the coast towards Nice.

In what is becoming an increasingly enthralling rivalry, in 2024, Pogacar will be hoping to dispossess Vingegaard of that iconic yellow jersey on “home” turf.

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Photo credit: Gavin Anderson

Heatwave: orange heat alert ends with spectacular storm and cooler temperatures

by: Stephanie Horsman

24/07/2023

Météo France has lifted the orange alert in Monaco and the Alpes-Maritimes after 15 consecutive days of punishing heat. What’s in store for the rest of the month?

The Charon heatwave that has been wreaking havoc across southern Europe, including locally on the Côte d’Azur and Monaco, may finally be in its death throws.

After weeks of punishing heat, forest fires and human casualties in the Mediterranean basin, the mercury is finally dropping to a more comfortable level in the French Riviera after a storm swept through the region in the wee hours of Monday morning.

RELIEF AT LAST

The storm has been welcomed on several fronts. As the region is desperately dry, this gave some much needed moisture to thirsty plants, and also reduced the Météo France orange alert that had been in place to a more hospitable yellow alert.

The yellow warning does still require people to be aware when spending time outdoors, but means that the super intense heat of the last fortnight has passed. Storm warnings, however, do remain in effect in some parts of the region.

Temperatures in the Alpes-Maritimes and Monaco started off between 19°C and a still rather warm 27°C on the morning of 24th July, but should settle into between 26°C and 30°C during the afternoon.

REST OF JULY

The rest of the month is looking more manageable and temperatures may even be below seasonal norms in some places.

Monaco’s temperatures on 25th and 26th July will still be elevated, with nights hovering in the 26°C range, but by 27th July, both days and nights will be cooler. Nighttime temperatures are expected to be a more comfortable 22°C while the days will remain below 30°C.

This general pattern is expected to continue through the rest of the week and weekend, with stormy weather forecast for higher altitudes on Friday.

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Photo source: Michael Shannon, Unsplash

More than half of Europeans want to see the green energy transition sped up

by: Elsa Carpenter

24/07/2023

The results of a new European Commission climate change survey have revealed that Europeans across the continent hold some very strong opinions on the bloc’s efforts to move towards a greener future.

More than three quarters of Europeans consider climate change to be a “serious issue”, with seven in 27 Member States putting it at the top of the list as the biggest problem facing the world today.

While 35% hold themselves personally responsible for climate change action, others lay that responsibility at the door of the European Union (EU), their national government, and businesses and industries, and many believe that these decision-makers could be doing more.

One thing that does unite the vast majority, however, is a desire to see the green energy transition increase in speed and traction.

Emissions targets, energy efficient and innovation

58% of people think the green economy transition should be happening faster, 88% believe greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced to a minimum, 87% think it is important that the EU sets “targets to increase renewable energy use”, and 85% would like to see the EU bolster efforts to improve energy efficiency, citing installing solar panels, buying electric cars and better insulating homes as ways to achieve that goal. Nearly eight in 10 of those surveyed backed the idea that more public financial support should be allocated to the green energy transition for clean energies.

Almost three quarters believe the cost of damage being done by unsustainable practices is higher than the price of investing in cleaner technologies, while 75% agree that “taking action on climate change will lead to innovation that will make EU companies more competitive”.

Personal responsibility

The findings also revealed that 93% of European citizens are taking action to combat climate change themselves through making daily sustainable choices. This sense of personal responsibility is echoed in the views of the 84% that argue confronting climate change and other environmental threats should be a public health priority.

A third of Europeans – the figure is higher for those living in Southern Europe – feel they are being exposed to climate-related risks in their day-to-day lives.

“European citizens understand the threat of climate change, and continue to support climate action by the EU, national governments, business and individuals,” says Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal. “They recognise the long-term risks posed by the climate and biodiversity crises, but also the opportunity that we have to build a brighter, healthier and safer future if we act now on the green transition. The results of this survey are a powerful reminder that popular support to advance with the European Green Deal remains as high as ever. It is up to politicians and decision-makers to heed that call.”

More than 26,000 citizens from different backgrounds, countries and social groups were polled for the survey.

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Photo source: Appolinary Kalashnikova, Unsplash

Ethics committee, asset declarations, gifts: Monaco introduces new anti-corruption law for government members

by: Cassandra Tanti

24/07/2023

Monaco has published by Sovereign Ordinance new ethical guidelines for members of the government, as it takes another important step towards meeting the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption standards.

According to a government statement on Monday 24^th July, Sovereign Ordinance No. 9.931 had been published in the official Journale de Monaco on 15^th June 2023, strengthening its system for the prevention of corruption and “confirming its desire to change its regulations to comply with international standards”.

The text establishes a specific legal regime for the ethics of members of the government, and therefore allows the Principality to comply with the requirements of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) on the prevention of corruption and the promotion of integrity within central governments and law enforcement agencies, according to the government.

New ethical standards for government members

The law states that members of the Prince’s government must exercise their powers with “loyalty, dignity, probity, disinterestedness, impartiality, objectivity and professional discretion”.

Among the other provisions of the law is the establishment of a declaration of assets and a declaration of interests; the establishment of a specific procedure to prevent “revolving doors” when a member of the government plans to exercise a private activity upon leaving office; reinforcement of the gift traceability system; and the creation of an Ethics Committee and the appointment of an ethics officer.

Complying with Europe’s best practices

Monaco joined the Council of Europe’s Criminal Law Convention on Corruption in 2007 and the Partial Agreement that created GRECO. By 2008, Monaco had entered the evaluation phase and, according to the government, many legislative and regulatory advances have been made in the fight against corruption since.

The fifth evaluation round of Monaco by the GRECO team is scheduled for 20^th to 24^th November 2023.

SEE ALSO:

Claude Palmero, in charge of Prince Albert’s assets, steps down

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Day: 24 July 2023