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Day: 1 May 2024

F1’s Valtteri Bottas flies the flag for the Princess Charlene Foundation at Swartberg 100

by: Elsa Carpenter
01/05/2024
Valtteri Bottas

Proudly sporting the logo of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, Valtteri Bottas has added another feather to his cap by completing the Swartberg 100 bike race in a time that has earned the Finnish driver a spot at the 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships.  

In-between races in China and Miami, Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas flew out to South Africa to take part in the nation’s premier gravel bike race, Swartberg 100, on 27th April.  

The 170-kilometre and 2900m elevation challenge is held in the hills surrounding the town of Prince Albert, a coincidental tie to one of the charities the F1 driver chose to support during the race. 

Bottas’ kit was emblazoned with the logo of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation as well as that of the local South African branch, and he later shared the news that the outfit will soon be auctioned off in benefit of “the great causes the foundation supports”. 

“Solid day out… Beautiful and scenic course!” he posted on social media following the race. ” I finished sixth in my age group meaning I [have] qualified for the gravel world champs. Tiffany Cromwell was the hero of the day and won the women’s race.” 

His partner is a professional Australian road and gravel cyclist, and currently rides for the UCI Women’s WorldTeam Canyon–SRAM. The pair live together in the Principality of Monaco.  

Under the hot South African sun, 34-year-old Valtteri Bottas finished sixth in his age category, earning him a place at the UCI Gravel World Championships in Belgium in early October. Photo credit: Johan Badenhorst 

Fortunately for the Kick Sauber driver, the UCI Gravel World Championships will take place in early October, falling neatly between the Singapore Grand Prix at the end of September and the USA Grand Prix in Austin several weeks later.  

Local representatives for the South African branch of Princess Charlene’s eponymous foundation congratulated the two athletes on their achievements via social media: “A big thank you goes out to Valtteri Bottas for representing PCMFSA and the Fondation Princesse Charlene at Swartberg 100. Congratulations to Valtteri Bottas for securing a spot in the UCI Gravel World Championships, and kudos to Tiffany Cromwell for clinching victory at the Swartberg 100!” 

Read related:

In pictures: Princess Charlene makes a splash at Water Safety Day in Monaco

 

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Photo credit: Johan Badenhorst 

Explained: Important changes in France from 1st May

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/05/2024
changes in france in may

Here are all the new rules and changes coming into effect in France during the month of May, as well as important dates to remember regarding tax returns and registration for the upcoming European elections. 

As of 1st May, taxpayers in France will be able to submit their tax returns on smartphones and tablets via the official Impôts.gouv app. Furthermore, following a 5.4% increase to the income tax scales in 2023, a rise designed to protect taxpayers from the undesirable effects of inflation, a further 4.8% will be applied in 2024. 

See more: France’s income tax return deadlines are coming up

The first of the month is also the official deadline for online registration for residents hoping to vote in the upcoming European elections, which will take place between 6th and 9th June. In-person registration will still be possible at local town halls until 3rd May. 

Starting 2nd May, users of the Compte Personnel de Formation (CPF) will be required to make a €100 contribution towards their tuition under the national training scheme, saving the government an estimated €200 million per year.  

The fixed contribution cost of visiting the doctor will increase from €1 to €2 beginning 15th May. The fee will not be reimbursed by national or supplementary health insurance. Pregnant women and minors are exempt from the increase.  

And finally, MaPrimeRénov’, the scheme that helps homeowners fund energy-efficient upgrades within their properties, will become easier to obtain from 15th May with the removal of an obligation to link the financial aid packages to heating systems. Furthermore, applicants hoping to install insulation or replace old boilers will be able to benefit from MaPrimeRénov’ without having to provide an energy performance diagnosis (DPE) document. Properties with a F or G DPE classification will also become eligible for the scheme. 

Read related:

SNCF to close ticket offices at train stations across the Riviera

 

Join the Monaco Life community – sign up for the Monaco Life newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.   

 

Photo source: Antoine Schibler, Unsplash