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Day: 24 November 2025

Cycling: Beking 2025 marks it’s best edition yet as Prince Albert II hands out awards

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
24/11/2025

Prince Albert II took to the podium on Sunday afternoon to present trophies to the winner’s of Beking Monaco, one of Monaco’s most popular cycling competitions. 

The annual charity cycling event took place at Port Hercule, drawing large crowds of spectators, and counting its most successful edition yet.

Spectators and enthusiasts flocked to the port from 9am, ready to witness professional cyclists competing in the challenges, and bringing their kids to meet their cycling idols, take home autographs and even try the very same track before and after the challenges with their own bikes.

During the race, photo by Monaco Life.

Meanwhile, the crowd that gathered for the men’s category official kick-off was treated to a spectacular display of speed as 35 professional cyclists navigated the tight 1.35 kilometre course.

The bikes flashed past at truly breathtaking velocity, the pack creating a blur of colour and sound that kept viewers on a tight chokehold throughout the race. It was formula 1 on two wheels…pure speed and adrenaline coursing through Monaco’s famous circuit.

During Beking Monaco, photo by Monaco Life.

After the challenges and during the awards ceremony, Prince Albert applauded Italy’s Jonathan Milan, who claimed victory in the men’s race ahead of Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar and local favourite Victor Langellotti.

In the women’s competition, which was held for the very first time this year, Dutch champion Lorena Wiebes took the honours, with Poland’s Kasia Niewiadoma and Italy’s Anna Trevisi joining her on the podium.

Prince Albert II applauding the winners, photo by Monaco Life.

“The pace was high from the start,” said Milan afterwards. “It’s great to see how cycling can bring together so many people.”

Organised by the Beking association with support from CMT, the fifth edition of the event raised funds for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and Fight Aids Monaco.

“I really enjoyed Beking,” said Wiebes. “It’s really special to run here.”

See more of the action in our video reel below…

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Main photo by Monaco Life.

MEB puts spotlight on Swiss strengths ahead of economic mission to Zurich

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/11/2025

In the lead-up to its trade mission to Zurich in March 2026, the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) held a Business Destination conference last week, focusing on Switzerland — one of the world’s most resilient and innovation-driven economies.

The event, organised in partnership with the Honorary Consulate of Switzerland in Monaco and in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy in France and Monaco, drew a crowd of Monegasque business leaders keen to explore commercial opportunities in the Swiss market.

Innovation and resilience define the Swiss economy

Opening the event, MEB CEO Guillaume Rose welcomed attendees before handing over to Carole Lanteri, Monaco’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. She was followed by Tania Cavassini, who delivered a detailed overview of Switzerland’s economic structure and appeal.

Cavassini outlined the country’s remarkable sectoral diversity, spanning pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, and watchmaking, alongside a world-leading financial centre and an advanced services sector. “This diversity is a key driver of Switzerland’s economic resilience,” she said, citing the country’s disciplined public financial management and inclusive governance model.

She also underlined Switzerland’s long-standing commitment to innovation, noting that it has topped the WIPO Global Innovation Index for 15 consecutive years. This achievement, she explained, is thanks to consistent investment in research and development, a globally respected education system, and deep collaboration between academic institutions and industry.

An attractive and competitive environment

Switzerland’s business environment was another focal point, with Cavassini highlighting the country’s liberal labour market, accessible workforce recruitment within Europe, and a favourable corporate tax regime—where rates typically range from 12% to 15% across most cantons. These advantages have drawn over 850 regional headquarters of multinational companies to establish a presence in the country.

A Q&A session followed the presentation, where Monaco-based businesses expressed strong interest in Switzerland’s stable yet dynamic ecosystem. Many of the Swiss model’s strengths—such as economic agility, sustainable innovation and strategic neutrality—were noted as aligning closely with Monaco’s own economic ambitions.

The MEB’s upcoming economic mission to Zurich in March is expected to build on this momentum, offering Monegasque entrepreneurs a valuable opportunity to engage directly with potential Swiss partners and better understand a market that combines global influence with enduring stability.

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Photo source: MEB

A prehistoric adventure for young explorers at Monaco’s Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/11/2025

Children will have the chance to step back in time this Wednesday 26th November, during a special afternoon of free activities at Monaco’s Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. From 2pm to 4pm, the museum will host an exclusive animation event designed for young visitors, inviting them to explore the wonders of the prehistoric world through art, science and storytelling.

The event, offered as part of the museum’s ongoing collaboration with institutional partners, is tailored for children with curious minds and a love for animals. Activities will include hands-on archaeological exploration, drawing workshops and creative sculpture-making – all inspired by the museum’s current temporary exhibition L’effet papillon: la préhistoire des animaux.

Led by expert museum staff, the two featured workshops will combine observation, artistic creation and scientific discovery, offering children a unique opportunity to learn about prehistoric fauna while expressing their creativity in a fun and educational setting.

Participation is free but places are limited, and advance registration is required. Parents can secure a spot by emailing map@gouv.mc or calling +377 98 98 80 06.

More information about the event and the exhibition can be found at: https://map.gouv.mc/creatures-creations

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Photo by Monaco Life

Coercive control in the spotlight: Monaco launches hard-hitting campaign

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/11/2025

As Monaco marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25th November, a powerful new message has been launched across the Principality. The Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights has revealed its 2025 campaign titled L’enfermer ce n’est pas l’aimer – “To lock her away is not to love her” – aimed at exposing the often-overlooked dangers of coercive control in abusive relationships.

Presented in the presence of Human Rights Ambassador and former French minister Isabelle Rome, the campaign casts a spotlight on the psychological tactics used by abusers to isolate and control their victims. Céline Cottalorda, Monaco’s Interministerial Delegate for Women’s Rights, explained that the campaign’s objective is to raise awareness not only among victims but also among perpetrators, to highlight the insidious nature of domestic abuse.

She said the initiative is designed to provoke a shift in perception, particularly in cases where abusers may not see their actions as violent. Isabelle Rome echoed this sentiment, emphasising that tackling abusive behaviour at its source is essential to prevent repeat offences and drive wider public understanding.

The campaign uses the striking symbol of a ‘Black Box’ to reflect the tightening grip of coercive control. This theme is brought to life through a series of posters displayed throughout Monaco, including in the Fontvieille shopping gallery. At the heart of the campaign is an animated short film narrated from the point of view of the perpetrator, illustrating how a seemingly normal relationship can devolve into psychological control and abuse. The film will be shared on Monaco Info, as well as the Committee’s digital channels, and will also be available in English, voiced by Monaco’s Ambassador for Women’s Rights, actor Toby Wright.

In a bid to involve young people, the campaign partnered with the Department of Education, Youth and Sport to organise a video competition for secondary school students. Using the campaign’s title as a theme, students were invited to create original videos of one to three minutes, individually or in teams. The winning projects will be screened at a public event on 25th November at 6:30pm at Lycée Rainier III, providing an open platform for discussing coercive control and the role of community awareness in tackling abuse.

Several additional events are scheduled throughout the week to reinforce the campaign’s message. On 24th November, a conference hosted at the Stelios Foundation by the Zonta Club will feature historian and essayist Lucile Peytavin, who will examine the social and financial impact of masculinity culture. On 25th November, the Monaco Women in Finance Institute will hold a forum theatre performance at the Maison des Associations for corporate audiences, exploring the different faces of sexism in the workplace. The Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG) will lead a discussion on 26th November at Lou Clapas about how to combat intra-family violence, with contributions from Dr Julia Aumiphin and Nathalie Simonnet. Then on 27th November, young adults will take the stage at the Société Nautique for a forum theatre event organised by the Soroptimist Club, using live scenography to unpack real-life experiences of gender inequality.

To complement these efforts, the Zonta Club of Monaco will run a visual campaign on public benches, while local NGOs She Can He Can and Fight Aids Monaco will launch new initiatives calling on men to take a stand against violence. Throughout the day on 25th November, Monaco residents are encouraged to wear a white ribbon as a visible sign of solidarity with victims and survivors of gender-based violence.

More information about the campaign and the full video can be found at dfm.mc/evenement/lenfermer-ce-nest-pas-laimer.

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Main photo: Isabelle Rome and Celine Cottalorda, credit: Stephane Dana, Department of Communications

No Finish Line 2025 breaks records as Monaco celebrates a historic edition

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/11/2025

The 26th edition of No Finish Line came to a triumphant close on Sunday 23rd November at 2pm, marking a milestone in the race’s history with record-breaking participation and distances covered. Prince Albert II completed the final lap alongside members of the government, National Council and Monaco’s town hall, bringing an emotional close to eight days of solidarity and sporting excellence.

Despite a stormy opening weekend, the 2025 race exceeded all expectations. More than 14,440 people registered, surpassing the initial target of 14,000. By Saturday 22nd November at 4:20pm, the collective distance goal of 325,000 kilometres had been overtaken, ultimately reaching an extraordinary 375,245 kilometres. That achievement translates into the same amount in euros — €375,245 — to be donated to support around 20 projects for sick and disadvantaged children, upholding the event’s guiding principle: one kilometre equals one euro. Since its creation, No Finish Line has raised over €5 million.

Among the many standout moments of this edition, Justine Houteer Magni made history by becoming the first woman in 26 years to win the overall race. In her first participation in the Monaco No Finish Line, she covered 928 kilometres, smashing the previous female record of 924 kilometres set by Sarah Barnett in 2011. Houteer Magni was crowned first overall and took the top spot on the women’s podium, receiving the Prince’s Cup. Marie-Laure Roussel finished second with 784 kilometres, awarded the Government Cup, while Paola Coccato came third with 681 kilometres and received the National Council Cup.

Women’s podium with Justine Houteer Magni – the first woman in 26 years to win the overall race, photo credit: Andre Faure

In the men’s individual category, Andreas Michalitz took first place with 845 kilometres, followed by Christian Stolowitz at 843 and Philippe Pollesel at 829. The Carabiniers Fight Aids Monaco team won the overall team competition with 14,189 kilometres, while Special Olympics Monaco led the associations category with 10,396 kilometres.

An intense highlight of the week was the 24-hour race, held from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 23rd November. Reserved for experienced runners, the event drew 213 participants — including 60 individuals and 30 relay teams — exceeding last year’s figures. In total, they ran more than 17,801 kilometres in a single day. Fabien Majet was the top individual male with 199 kilometres, followed by Claudio Della Morte with 194 and Antonello Volpe with 183. In the women’s category, Virginia Oliveri led with 190 kilometres, followed by Pauline Marguet with 178 and Marie-Pierre Reynaud with 175. Among the relay teams, Monaco Telecom 2 secured victory with 296 kilometres, ahead of FAR 1 with 282 and Bodhiciotta 2 with 281.

This remarkable edition of No Finish Line confirms the event’s enduring power to unite the Principality in generosity and sporting spirit. The next edition will take place from 14th to 22nd November 2026, with new records ready to be challenged.

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Main photo credit: Andre Faure

Charles Leclerc claims P4 amid Las Vegas drama

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/11/2025

The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix delivered a spectacular show on and off the track, with Monaco’s Charles Leclerc finishing fourth after two dramatic post-race disqualifications reshaped the final standings.

Originally, McLaren’s Lando Norris had crossed the line in second place behind Max Verstappen, with teammate Oscar Piastri finishing fourth. However, both drivers were later excluded from the final classification after their MCL39 cars were found to be in breach of FIA technical regulations. Specifically, the underfloor skid blocks on both vehicles were measured below the minimum 9mm thickness required by Article 3.5.9 of the Technical Regulations.

As a result, George Russell was promoted to second place, Kimi Antonelli moved up to third, and Charles Leclerc — who had crossed the line in sixth — rose to fourth in the official classification.

Leclerc Holds Steady in Sin City

While much of the race’s attention focused on the leaders and the chaos in the midfield, Leclerc delivered a consistent and composed performance for Ferrari. Starting on the Medium compound tyres, he was involved in early battles, including contact with Fernando Alonso that forced him wide on the opening lap.

Despite losing ground, Leclerc worked his way back through the field, overtaking Oliver Bearman, Oscar Piastri, and Isack Hadjar to climb into the top five by the midpoint of the race. A pit stop on lap 24 saw him switch to Hard tyres, rejoining just ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz.

However, tyre graining and a lack of straight-line speed hampered his chances of moving higher in the final stint, as he remained stuck behind Kimi Antonelli and Piastri.

“I didn’t leave anything on the table,” says Leclerc

Reflecting on the race, Leclerc expressed mixed feelings about the result but was satisfied with his effort behind the wheel.

“I am not satisfied finishing P6, but if I look back at my race, I didn’t leave anything on the table,” said the Monegasque before his promotion to fourth. “I had some good battles and took the right risks, so on a personal note, I am satisfied with my performance today.”

“Our straight-line speed was not the strongest, so it was difficult to fight with our competitors,” he added. “I made up for it a bit with how I was braking, but with Oscar in Kimi’s DRS, it was difficult to catch them.”

Championship Battle Heats Up

The disqualifications also had significant implications for the championship standings. Verstappen’s win now puts him level with Piastri on 366 points, while Norris remains in the lead with 390. With two Grands Prix and one Sprint race remaining in the season, 58 points are still up for grabs.

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Photo source: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre