Having battled through injury, Monegasque rider Laura Gramaglia will compete in the FEI U21 Endurance World Championships, which are set to take place in September.
The 2023 World Championships will take place in Castelsagrat in the Tarn-et-Garonne, and thanks to her impressive exploits this summer, Gramaglia will be there. The young rider, part of the EFG Monaco team, had to undergo knee surgery recently, but despite being rushed back to training in order to qualify for the event on 2nd September, she has successfully qualified for the tournament.
19-year-old Gramaglia and her team were pressed for time, but were determined not to miss out on the qualification deadline of 17th July. This meant that there was no option but for Gramaglia to ride Raya de Galonne in a CEI 120km endurance event in Barre-des-Cévennes earlier this month. A technically and physically demanding course, the Monegasque rider nonetheless got the job done and made the Top 10, a requirement for qualification for the World Championships.
A podium for another young Monegasque rider
A day later, Marie Roung, a 14-year-old rider from the Principality, also a part of EFG Monaco, rode Bahidja Al Mounira to second place in what was only her first CEN 20km race.
Gramaglia will next compete in a French Championship qualifier on 12th August in Gréoux les Bains, ahead of the World Championships taking place in just over one month’s time.
The future is seemingly very bright for Monaco’s young riders.
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The African Queen Restaurant in Beaulieu sur Mer has reopened under new ownership with a revamped look but all the charm that has made it a hot spot for over half a century.
The African Queen has been a staple of the port in Beaulieu since 1969.
Its reputation has attracted celebrities and millionaires, with it not uncommon to see famous faces such as Sylvester Stallone, Linda Evangelista, Elton John, Tina Turner, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss or Bono lounging in the sun and sipping rosé on a summer afternoon over the years.
Now, it has been revived by three Monegasque friends – Riccardo Giraudi, Philippe Schriqui and Patrick Gioannin – who grew up coming to this near-mythic place and who are intent on preserving the “soul” of the past, whilst setting the stage for the future.
A BRIEF HISTORY
The restaurant was founded by Lila and Pierre Brizio, who were great fans of the 1951 John Huston film of the same name and starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. It was then taken over by one of the restaurant’s former waiters, Gilbert Vissian, who, along with his wife and daughter, turned it into the legend that it became.
“Having grown up on the Côte d’Azur, the African Queen has always been one of my favourite destinations,” says new co-owner Philippe Schriqui. “For more than 40 years, I have been devouring the Niçoise salad and the truffle pizza, which are for me essential dishes emblematic of the restaurant. The African Queen has always been a reference, so it is an honour for me to bring this establishment back to life for a second time.”
AND NOW…
The 2023 version of African Queen keeps the spirit of what made it so popular alive, like its 1970s devil-may-care vibe, but the restaurant is modernised with a design by local architectural firm Humbert & Poyet, who have added ethnic textiles, rattan chairs, emerald green tiles and leather touches.
Another new addition is a bar that is being constructed on the roof and will be ready for 2024. It boasts views over the Mediterranean that can’t be beat.
“African Queen evokes a feeling of escape; in the 1970s, it was the crazy place where we went out and where everything was allowed,” said Christophe Poyet, co-designer on the project. “The superb panorama is unforgettable. The cliffs of Beaulieu and the luxuriant vegetation give an impression of being at the edge of a tropical world.”
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD?
Longtime patrons of the establishment can still enjoy the signature dishes of the old version, such as the Salade Africaine loaded with hearts of palm and pecans, as well as fresh grilled fish, but some new taste temptations are being added.
Atarte tatin with candied tomatoes and parmesan shortbread, warm prawns with olive oil and Menton lemon, and a tender Wagyu rib steak as well as black cod with miso and pastis are some of the sumptuous new dishes that are on the menu.
Desserts include a scrumptious baba aux rhum, a vanilla praline-infused Tropézienne cake and banoffee-style crepes for those with a sweet tooth.
The African Queen is open seven nights a week for dinner, and will soon also be open for lunch. For more information, please click here.
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With summer in full swing, many of us find ourselves yearning to look our best and shed those extra kilos accumulated over the year. However, in our quest for quick results, we often stumble upon misleading information and fall into the trap of ineffective or even harmful practices.
There are many misconceptions that should be avoided when aiming to burn fat and get in shape, so let’s debunk these myths and focus on science-backed strategies for a healthy and sustainable transformation.
DITCH THE “MIRACLE” FAT BURNERS
One of the biggest mistakes people make when attempting to burn fat quickly is resorting to fat-burning supplements or pills. These products promise miraculous results. Most of them claim a boost of your metabolic rate which increases the amount of daily calories burnt. Others will put forward the enhancement of fat oxidation which means that your body will use fat as the primary source of fuel. However, they often lack scientific evidence to support their claims and when there are some, they are mostly industry-funded. Moreover, some fat burners may have adverse side effects, potentially posing risks to your health. Instead, prioritise a well-rounded approach that focuses on balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and proper rest.
STEER CLEAR OF EXTREME HEAT EXERCISING
Exercising in the scorching summer heat might seem like an effective way to sweat out excess weight. However, it’s important to be cautious. Sweating primarily leads to water loss, which can be quickly replenished by drinking. This means that the weight you lose during a sweaty workout is mostly water weight, not fat. Furthermore, subjecting yourself to intense exercise in extreme heat can put you at risk of hypohydration and other heat-related illnesses. Opt for exercising in cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening), hydrate adequately, and listen to your body’s cues to avoid any potential dangers.
AVOID STARVATION DIETS
Another misguided approach to fat loss is drastically reducing your food intake or skipping meals altogether. While it may seem logical that eating less leads to weight loss, this approach often backfires. Severe calorie restriction over time can result in a significant drop in energy levels, leaving you feeling lethargic and fatigued. In hot summer months, with higher temperatures, this can be particularly dangerous.
On top of this, you may lose some muscle because of not exercising enough or eating less protein. Instead, focus on creating a balanced eating plan that includes nutrient-dense foods, lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will provide the necessary fuel to sustain your workouts and overall well-being.
Photo source: Thought Catalog for Unsplash
DON’T FALL FOR FAD DIETS
The internet is flooded with trendy diets promising quick weight loss, whether it’s eliminating entire food groups, relying solely on liquids, or following extremely low-calorie plans. While these diets may lead to rapid initial weight loss, they are often unsustainable in the long run and can negatively impact your metabolism and overall health.
Moreover, you should remember that even if a specific diet plan worked for someone it may not work for you, everyone is different. If you are looking for tailored advice, you should refer to a professional to guide you to the best-suited diet that will support your workouts and overall well-being.
When it comes to burning fat and achieving a desirable physique, there are no shortcuts or magical solutions. Instead of falling for gimmicks, it’s crucial to adopt a science-based approach that focuses on sustainable practices.
By avoiding fat burners, refraining from exercising excessively in heat, and steering clear of starvation diets, you can safeguard your health while making progress towards your goals. Remember, true transformation takes time, consistency, and a holistic approach that encompasses nutrition, exercise, and self-care. Embrace the journey, stay committed, and enjoy the process of becoming the best version of yourself.
Tristan Boetti is a sports nutritionist. Through his company Performance & Bien-Être Monaco, he works with professional athletes as well as recreationally active individuals to help them achieve their goals through customised nutrition plans and expert advice.
The negotiations between the European Union and Monaco on a prospective Association Agreement have been long in the making. Now, the government has presented the findings of a report that considers the potential economic, legal and political impacts of such an accord.
For the past eight years, Monaco and the European Union (EU) have been slowly hashing out details for an Association Agreement, which would effectively make Monaco part of the internal market.
This seems straightforward enough, but there are concerns for the Monegasque regime over certain sovereignty issues given “its unique geographical, demographic and economic features”, according to government sources.
To gain a clear picture of the overall situation, Monaco’s government commissioned a prospectus on the economic, legal and political consequences – positive and negative – that an agreement with the EU could have on the Principality. Also considered in the study was a “possible failure of the negotiations in progress with the European Union”.
The government tasked the August Debouzy and Accuracy law firms and advisory services with the production of the report.
Two of the resulting documents, a summary report and an economic report, were presented at a meeting on Tuesday 25th that included numerous members of the Monegasque government, Monaco’s High Commissioner for European Affairs, Isabelle Costa, and Minister of State Pierre Dartout.
A WAY FORWARD?
In thanking August Debouzy and Accuracy for their work, as well as the team acting under the leadership of Costa, Dartout said, “We must continue to make progress in the negotiations that we are carrying out with the European Commission, while being more vigilant than ever on the issues that are essential for the Principality.”
Caution on the Monegasque side is tempered with a spirit of open-mindedness, though with little room for give when it comes to protection on certain internal matters.
The EU and Monaco are in accord on several points, such as human rights, security, multilateralism, climate and environment, and a rules-based international order.
Some sticking point remain, however, as explained in a Monaco Life article on the Principality’s current EU status.
The EU, for its part, also has ideas on how an agreement would look.
Statements previously made by EU spokespeople in relation to the Association Agreement include: “The European Union and the Principality of Monaco are like-minded close neighbours, sharing history, culture and language and have signed several agreements of cooperation. Since 2015, the EU and Andorra, Monaco, San Marino are negotiating an Association Agreement on their participation in the EU internal market. This would be a far-reaching agreement to be compared only with the European Economic Area Agreement with Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.”
Four separate forest fires ignited in the Alpes-Maritimes on Tuesday, another began overnight and one is still causing problems in the Bairols area. Here’s what you need to know.
The Sapeurs Pompiers 06 were called out to four fires across the region on Tuesday 25th July as high winds swept through the Alpes-Maritimes.
The two smaller fires in Gréolières and Moulinet appear to have been brought under control fairly quickly, however a site in Cagnes sur Mer caused considerable problems for the firefighting service given the densely populated zone.
The fire swept through 10 hectares of land near the Moulins du Loup in Cagnes sur Mer during the afternoon and, intensely aware of the urban context of the site, a large deployment of some 100 firefighters was sent to tackle the blaze. Access to the north side of the A8 motorway was temporarily halted and train services were similarly affected. Thankfully, no homes were threatened by the fire, which is now under control.
The, overnight, a fire started in the Chemin du Faliconnet area of Falicon to the north of Nice. Around 120 firefighters were drafted in to halt the fire, which threatened several homes, and 50 or so personnel were reportedly still on site in the early hours of Wednesday 26th July. The fire appears to have been successfully brought under control by mid-morning.
However, up in the Bairols commune to the northwest of Nice, an estimated 30 hectares of land has been burned. The complexity of access to this remote and mountainous site meant that firefighters had to be dropped by helicopter near the flames and then proceed on foot on Tuesday 25th July, but as high winds continued into the afternoon, aerial support was also drafted in to drop water on the fire. Around 50 personnel are believed to still be in the area, tackling the remains of the fire.
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As part of plans to cut back on unnecessary waste, French vendors will stop giving customers printed register receipts unless specifically asked from 1st August.
According to the French government, 30 billion receipts from shops, restaurants, cashpoints and vouchers are printed every year in France, and the vast majority are headed straight for the bin.
As a way to cut back on this colossal waste of paper, the French government has said that, from 1st August, printed register receipts should no longer be automatically given to consumers, though they will be available upon request in certain situations.
ORIGINS
This change in policy stems from a law adopted in February 2020, known as the AGEC law. This law contains roughly 50 anti-waste measures and ways to strive for a more circular economy. In addition to the soon-to-be introduced receipt policy, the AGEC covers bans on single-use plastics, increased support for companies with eco-friendly initiatives, and environmental and health awareness raising campaigns.
HOW IT WORKS
This is pretty straightforward. No receipts will be automatically printed from: any establishment open to the public; bank card and ticket machine purchases; places issuing vouchers promoting price reductions for future buys; and the like.
As with any rule, there are exceptions and there are several specific instances where receipts will still be issued as standard. This is in the case of a consumer buying products or services requiring proof such as for products under legal warranty, weighed products, services of an amount greater than or equal to €25, cash within the catering and hotel sector, and for access to goods or services, like at motorway toll booths or for parking. Merchants must also provide a receipt for cancelled or incomplete sales, as well as refunds or transfers of funds.
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