The Princess Charlène of Monaco Foundation has announced the new edition of the Crossing for the Pelagos backed by accessories brand Scicon Sports. The sporting and charitable initiative will connect Viareggio, Italy, to the Principality of Monaco in an open-sea challenge covering more than 225km.
Scheduled to begin on June 19, 2026, the event features eight teams, each composed of four athletes. The participants will take on the crossing using special Water Bikes, which are floating bicycles designed to ride on water.
Major names from international cycling are set to participate, including Chris Froome, Jakob Fuglsang, and Filippo Pozzato. The athletes will place their experience and visibility at the service of raising public awareness about water safety and supporting educational programmes dedicated to drowning prevention promoted by the organiser around the world.
For the 2026 edition, Scicon Sports will once again stand alongside the event as both a partner and supporter. The collaboration between the brand and the charity dates back to the inception of the challenge.
One of the company’s products, the sports eyewear currently worn by Tadej Pogačar and the athletes of UAE Team Emirates XRG, originated from this specific event. In 2018, during the first edition of the crossing, Scicon Sports developed its very first eyewear model alongside Gareth Wittstock, brother of Princess Charlène and Secretary General of the Foundation.
Claudio Fantin, Operational Manager at Scicon Sports, said “The Water Bike Crossing holds a special place in the history of Scicon Sports. Being part of this project means returning to the origins of a journey that helped define an important part of our identity. We are proud to support an event that every year raises funds for educational programmes dedicated to drowning prevention and water safety. It is a message we fully share and are happy to support once again.”
This year, the Princess Charlène of Monaco Foundation and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation are joining forces through a partnership that places sport at the service of ocean awareness and protection.
The crossing will take place in the heart of the Pelagos Sanctuary. This is an 87,500m² protected marine area stretching across France, Monaco, and Italy, which is recognised for its biodiversity and its role in protecting Mediterranean marine mammals.
The challenge is set to begin at the Port of Viareggio on June 19, 2026. The arrival in the Principality of Monaco is scheduled for June 20, 2026, at the end of a crossing that aims to unite sport, social commitment, and team spirit in the name of solidarity.
Founded in 1980 near Bassano del Grappa, Italy, Scicon Sports has tied-up with cycling figures such as Francesco Moser, Mario Cipollini, Marco Pantani, Miguel Indurain, Paolo Bettini, Chris Froome, Vincenzo Nibali, and Tadej Pogačar.
In 2011, ASG Group became the company’s main shareholder, marking the start of an international expansion. In 2019, Scicon Sports expanded into sports eyewear, and its products have since celebrated victories in more than 500 World Tour races, including one Giro d’Italia and four Tour de France titles.
In 2024, the brand signed a three-year agreement as an Official Product of the Tour de France for bicycle bags, sports bags, and travel accessories. It operates in more than 40 countries, featuring a design lab in Italy alongside an established presence in key markets such as the United States, Canada, South Africa, and Australia.
The Princess Charlène of Monaco Foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to building a world where children from all backgrounds can grow up in a safe environment. Since its creation on December 14, 2012, it has supported and funded educational projects worldwide through its Learn to Swim, Water Safety, and Sport & Education programmes.
