Ahead of the official start of the Tour de France in Monaco on Sunday, Prince Albert II attended another special cycling event, the Ride for Peace bike parade, promoting peace and unity.
On the morning of Sunday 21st July, the ‘Ride for Peace’ bike parade, organised in collaboration with Amaury Sport Organisation and Peace and Sport and attended by Prince Albert II, brought together around 40 athletes and aimed to showcase the societal aspect of the Tour de France’s 21st stage, which kicked off later in the day.
Wearing white jerseys symbolising peace, participants began their ride at 10am from Boulevard Albert Ier. They followed the Tour de France route and concluded their journey at Place Masséna in Nice at 12pm.
Peace and Sport was established in 2007 and is a Monaco-based NGO that aims to create safer, more equitable, and inclusive communities through the power of sport. Founded and presided over by Joël Bouzou, and under the patronage of Prince Albert II, the organisation is renowned for its ‘White Card’ campaigns.
In 2009, Peace and Sport established the Champions for Peace Club, which is comprised of over 120 athletes from around 40 nationalities. They dedicate their time and influence to projects that address social, economic, and educational issues through sport.
“I am proud to bring my High Patronage to ‘Peace and Sport,’… I am convinced that this organisation, driven by a spirit of generosity and solidarity, allows vulnerable communities to overcome their differences and contributes to shaping a more united and peaceful world,” said Prince Albert II.
The parade was held before the Tour de France stage’s official start, showing the sport’s potential to bring communities together and inspire positive social change.
Throughout the same morning, spectators of the Tour de France enjoyed various entertainment. The festivities featured the Continental Cadets Juniors initiative, a Publicity Caravan distributing gifts along the Tour de France Monaco route, and exhibitions supporting Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque.
The Tour de France 21st stage officially started at 2:40pm on Boulevard Albert 1er that same afternoon.
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Main photo: Prince Albert II with Joel Bouzou, by Monaco Life