Monaco Run 2023 obtains World Athletics Label

The Monaco Athletics Federation has obtained the World Athletics Label, rewarding and ultimately enhancing the professionalism and prestige of the Monaco Run event.

The Monaco Run, which this year will take place on 11th and 12th February, is now part of 238 races worldwide that have the title.

Reacting to the news, the president of the federation, Prince Albert II, said, “Our federation is proud to obtain a World Athletics label for our 5km run, which rewards the credibility and enthusiasm of the organisation of the Monaco Run. For many years, our organisation has been able to respond to the numerous essential criteria for the smooth running of such a competition.”

The president of World Athletics, Sebastien Coe, announced that 1,200 runners are set to take to the streets of the Principality for the 2023 edition of the race in February.

Coe, a Monaco resident, added, “We are delighted to attribute the World Athletics Road Race label to the Monaco Athletic Federations’ Monaco Run… Whilst road running continues to gain in popularity around the world, and since we are trying to increase participation at all levels of our sport, we are delighted that this race is offered to debutants and elite-level runners alike.”

He continued, “We thank the Monaco Athletics Federation for working with us to create more opportunities to participate in our sport and for helping us promote our sport in the country in which we are based, here in Monaco.”

 

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Photo by Monaco Run

 

Monaco’s Davis Cup opponent revealed

Monaco will face the Dominican Republic in a Davis Cup World Group II play-off at the Monte-Carlo Country Club at the beginning of February, it has been announced.

The tie will take place across two days – 4th and 5th February – at the Monte-Carlo Country Club (MCCC) in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and the Monégasques will be cheered on by a home crowd for the fixture, with the event being open to the public.

It is the first time that the two sides have met. They face off in a play-off tie that has ramifications for the fixtures later this year. Should Monaco win, they would be fully integrated into the World Group II, with matches within this group set to be played in September of this year.

The two-day event will consist of four singles matches and one doubles match. The players that will form Monaco’s squad for the Davis Cup match are yet to be revealed.

Monaco saw their chances of promotion from the World Group II dashed against Lebanon in September 2022. A team consisting of Valentin Vacherot, Lucas Caterina, Hugo Nys and Romain Arneodo lost 3-2 on the hard court of Zouk Mosbeh. They will now fight for their survival in the group next month.

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Photo by Monaco Life

Yoshi to host exclusive sake pairing experience

The only Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant on the Côte d’Azur is coming together with IWA5 Sake, created by master of the trade Richard Geoffrey, for a unique sake tasting experience in Monaco’s Hotel Metropole.

The hotel’s celebrated Yoshi restaurant has made a name for itself thanks to its exceptional Japanese cuisine and taste for offering genuine experiences, such as the exclusive evening of delicious food paired with the sacred spirit of sake that will take place on 18th January.

At the event, a tasting menu by chef Takeo Yamazaki (pictured with fellow Hotel Metropole chef Christophe Cussac) will be served alongside hot and cold sake choices from IWA5 Sake. 

The dishes include San Remo-style gamberoni, scallops in seared butter, crab meatballs in chicken broth, Wagyu beef and, of course, sushi and sashimi. Dessert will be candied apple with yuzu light cream and vanilla. 

IWA5 Sake was created in Toyoma, Japan, by the former cellar master of Dom Pérignon, Richard Geoffroy, who will be on hand at the event to help guests discover the nuances of this popular drink as well as to share his own personal knowledge and passion on the topic. 

When asked about the name, he explains that IWA comes from the brewery, Shiraiwa. 

“Five is a number that represents harmony, the five senses… To me, it means assembly,” says Geoffrey. “My pride in this approach is not only to create an assembly of sakes, but also of people. It’s a new quest for harmony.”

Sake is a unique beverage. Often misclassified as a wine, it is actually a brewed drink where starch from rice is converted into sugars and then fermented into alcohol, making it more like beer. It has a vast variety of tastes and can be sparkling, sweet, nutty or aged.

The experience costs €390 per person and reservations must be made via yoshi@metropole.com.

 

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Photo source: Hotel Metropole

 

AS Monaco begin 2023 with a victory

AS Monaco began 2023 just like they ended 2022: with a win. It may not have been emphatic, but Philippe Clement’s side scraped past Brest (1-0) on New Year’s Day to move up to fourth provisionally in Ligue 1.

Fans who were permitted free entry to the Louis II clash packed the stands to welcome football back to the Principality. It was the first time that Les Monégasques had played at home since the World Cup break.

Monaco should have steered themselves into the lead in the first-half, but a mix of good goalkeeping and poor finishing let Brest off the hook. Eliesee Ben Seghir, making his first Ligue 1 start, had the best chance. The French youngster produced a stunning piece of skill to work the opening before blasting just over from eight yards out.

However, Monaco did hit the front early in the second-half. Aleksandr Golovin cut back on his right-foot just outside the box and rifled a perfectly-hit shot into the top corner. From there, Clement’s side dropped off and decreased their intensity. That was a mistake.

Brest, who hadn’t mustered any resistance until that point, began to push and worked multiple chances. Alexander Nübel had to deny Jérémy Le Douaron on multiple occasions, whilst Steve Mounié had a brilliant chance late on, but he could only strike the bar with his header.

Ultimately, Monaco held on, and the three points moves the team up to fourth. Marseille has a game in hand, but the Principality side are currently level on points with their third-placed Mediterranean rivals.

Clement’s comments

“It is important to have more and more people in the stadium,” began Clement, who believed that the initiative to allow fans free entry helped his side. “Away from home there is always a lot of people and that gives more strength to the players to get the result. It is very important for them, and it is something that could prove decisive in the result of a match. I hope in the coming months there will be more people here in the Louis II to push us.”

Man of the match – Aleksandr Golovin

Golovin is certainly experiencing his best season in red and white. His goal against Brest was his fourth of the season in Ligue 1. It was another crucial one. He is becoming a player that steps up in big moments for Monaco, and having such players within the squad will be essential for the Champions League push.

Monaco next compete in the Coupe de France. They will face Ligue 2 side Rodez at home on Saturday.

 

 

Photo by AS Monaco

 

Talent call for 2023 MC Summer Concert

The date for 2023’s MC Summer Concert has been set, and young musicians and artists can now apply to take part. Could you be the next star performer? 

Next year’s MC Summer Concert will be taking place on 7th July 2023. The event is a collaborative initiative born of the National Council, the Government of Monaco and the Monaco City Hall, and shines the spotlight on young musical talent in the Principality.  

The inaugural event in 2019 was a huge success, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was forced to take a two-year hiatus. 2022 marked the highly-anticipated return of the concert and next year the popular music event will again return to the Espace Léo Ferré.   

Applications for the big event are now open for all Monaco residents between 13 and 25 years of age, alone or part of a group. Artists are asked to put together a 20-minute presentation of their skills; a showcase of “musical identity and stage presence”.  

The application form is available online and entries close on 27th March 2023. 

For more information, please click here.  

 

 

Photo source: Israel Palacio for Unsplash

Early spring festivals for the whole family

With the New Year fast approaching, Monaco Life picks out some of the region’s best family-friendly festivals for early 2023. 

Monte-Carlo Circus Festival 

First up for family attractions is the incredible Monte-Carlo Circus Festival, which is the biggest of its kind in the world! The breath-taking display is back after a Covid hiatus and will be celebrating its 45th anniversary in the Fontvieille Big Top from 20th to 29th January. A great number of international acts, from magicians and unicyclists to horseback riders and jugglers, are also returning to the spotlight. Don’t forget the New Generation side event, which champions young and emerging talents from the industry. For more information, please click here.  

Nice’s famous Carnival 

From 10th to 26th February, the streets of Nice will come alive with parades, dance troupes and music for the annual carnival event. With this year’s theme of King of World Treasures, the crowd can expect a particularly vibrant show. It’s also officially 150 years since the tradition of the carnival began in Nice, starting back in 1873, so it’s a momentous occasion in the history of this beloved festival that is famed for its colossal structures still made by artisans in the city. A special anniversary parade has been programmed for Saturday 11th February – book tickets now for your chance to attend!  

Menton’s Fête du Citron 

The lemon festival, as it’s widely known, is an iconic event on the French Riviera and regularly attracts over 200,000 people, young and old. Due to be held from 11th to 26th February with the quirky theme of rock and opera, the festival holds both day and night-time parades through the decorated streets and gardens of this seaside town. Side events include the spectacular orchid market and crafts fair. A Pink Floyd-inspired night on Saturday 18th February, entitled The Dark Side of the Moon, is set to be a highlight of the festival. Here’s the link to tickets and the programme. 

Festival International de Jeux in Cannes 

From 24th to 26th February, Cannes’ famous Palais des Festivals et des Congrès will become the epicentre of the international games industry, with exhibits from studios, publishers, authors, illustrators and professional gamers. Over 45,000m2 of traditional and classic games will be on show, including new releases and some premieres as well as videogames and simulation games. The industry event takes place over a full week, but the general public are invited in for the closing days of the festival, allowing keen gamers opportunities to meet their favourite creators and players. Please click here for more information.

 

 

Photo source: Carnaval de Nice/Facebook