Princess Charlene of Monaco Kicks Off 24 Hour Water Bike Challenge

Princess Charlene of Monaco gets a sweet hug from husband Prince Albert at the start of The Crossing Calvi Monaco Water Bike Challenge event on Saturday (September 12) in Calvi, France.

The 42-year-old royal and former Olympic swimmer joined her brother, Gareth Wittstock, as they kicked off the race with their two competing teams.

The teams, in relay style, will take turns cycling over a distance of 180 km from Calvi to Monaco for almost 24 hours.

At the departure event, Charlene got support from Albert, and their twin children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.

“Navigating the ocean at night is no easy task. One feels so small and insignificant when facing this watery giant,” Charlene shared in a statement about the race, which will raise funds for The Princess Charlene Foundation, that raises awareness about water safety, and also teaches people to swim and about ocean hygiene.

Foundation Director Chantell Wittstock, who is Charlene‘s sister-in-law, also spoke about how the Princess trained for the event.

“The Princess continues to prepare for the Water Bike Challenge while holidaying with her family, including her children, in Calvi for the summer,” Chantell said in a statement. “The Princess trains daily in the vast, open ocean. The dedication shown by the Princess in training for the Water Bike Challenge is definitely a trait of a true Olympian.”

See 30+ pictures below of Princess Charlene of Monaco kicking off the The Crossing Calvi Monaco Water Bike Challenge…