Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene officially launched the latest edition of the Together Crossing challenge in Viareggio on Friday, sending competitors on an extraordinary 180-kilometre waterbike relay across the Mediterranean to Monaco…
Supported by the Princess Charlene Foundation and the Prince Albert II Foundation, the event brings together professional athletes and amateur competitors united by a common goal: raising awareness for water safety and marine conservation. Before departure, participants completed final equipment checks and training sessions, testing the specialised waterbikes that will carry them across open water day and night.
The challenge is one of the most demanding of its kind, requiring teams to maintain a continuous relay for up to 24 hours while navigating changing sea conditions, darkness and fatigue. Competitors must carefully manage both strategy and endurance, rotating riders throughout the crossing while adapting to currents and weather conditions.
Speaking ahead of the start, several participants described the event as both a sporting challenge and an opportunity to support causes close to their hearts. Organisers noted that this year’s route is among the longest ever attempted, adding an extra level of difficulty to the crossing.
HSH Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene gave the official starting signal, sending the teams on their journey toward Monaco.
After nearly 24 hours of continuous relay racing, all seven teams successfully reached Larvotto Beach on Saturday afternoon, where they were welcomed by HSH Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. Covering an impressive 225 kilometres across the Mediterranean, the challenge once again demonstrated the endurance, teamwork and determination of the participants. Team Lionheart, comprising Gustav Larsson, Veronika Larsson, Jeremy Josserand and Alex Bennett, claimed victory in the 2026 edition.
The event’s greatest success remained its support for the Princess Charlene Foundation of Monaco and the Prince Albert II Foundation, bringing together sport, water safety and environmental awareness in a shared spirit of solidarity.
Images: Prince’s Palace
