Cycling is in the blood of two of Australia’s superyacht personalities.
This September, Cameron Bray, Managing Director of the Superyacht People, and current Chair of Superyacht Queensland will fly the Australian flag in the annual London to Monaco ride (19 to 26 September) — an eight-day cycling event through seven countries over 1,200km’s and climbing just short of the height of Mt Everest, to raise money for the Blue Marine Foundation. The focus of the event is creating awareness of ocean conservation and preservation and at the same time raising funds for charity.
Cameron is following in the footsteps of Rivergate’s Tom Hill who entered the inaugural event in 2016 but was forced to pull out during the event due to injury.
Tom was determined to complete the event, so entered again in 2018 successfully completing the challenge and ensuring the Australian flag was front and centre when he arrived in Monaco. Tom truly exemplifies the ANZAC spirit flying participating for a third time in 2019.
Like Tom Hill, Cameron Bray has been cycling his whole life. Cameron advised, “it’s my thing outside of work, it’s my escape. I was Queensland schoolboys champion, and the last 2 years have qualified for the world masters but decided to do the London to Monaco this year instead. Tom very kindly introduced me to the organisers of the event last year, they were amazing. I went to their events and met Prince Albert. He is the patron of the charity, so the ride finishes at the palace. My reasons for doing it are numerous, I’ve made my career out of the ocean through yachting, so it’s an opportunity to give back. Whilst it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to complete such an incredible ride, I also get to share in a common passion outside of yachting with likeminded people. I know I’m fit enough to hold my own, so I think the comradeship amongst the group will be amazing. Flying the Australian flag as the only Aussie in the event will be the highlight. “
Tom Hill stated, “It is fantastic that Cam is taking up the challenge and I am pleased I have been able to introduce him to a number of contacts I made and encourage him to enter the event. He is not only physically well prepared for the event but he is an exceptional rider so I have every confidence he will complete the ride and highlight the resilience we Australians are renown for. Resilience is not just shown through physical strength but for an event like this you also need unwavering mental fortitude to embrace and enjoy the challenges. This is an event close to my heart and I intend to ride alongside Cam in next year’s event. I would have joined him this year, but my exciting news is we are having a baby and of course I want to be home with my wife.”
Just 60 riders will take part in this year’s event, starting in London and travelling through the UK, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, and Monaco, finishing at the Palace of Prince Albert II.
The value of Cameron’s and Tom’s participation in the London to Monaco bike ride, is multifaceted. By participating in the ride and raising funds for marine conservation organisations, they contribute to the protection and preservation of marine ecosystems, which aligns with the values and interests of the Australian marine industry. By flying the Australian flag during the ride, they raise awareness about the Australian Marine Industry, and have the ability through the journey to talk about Australia, seen now as a premier superyacht destination providing excellent support services and globally renown refit and marina facilities.
Cameron will be crossing the line with an inflatable boxing kangaroo on his shoulders, as Tom did in 2018, so Australia will definitely be front and centre once again. The London to Monaco ride, from September 19-26, combines Cameron’s greatest passions — the superyacht industry, cycling and the marine environment. The event ends the day before the Monaco Yacht Show.
As Tom Hill stated “Oceans are our livelihood. Beyond its beauty and serenity, the sea is vital for all aspects of our lives from the food chain to the water cycle, as well as recreation and the breadth of our marine industry. Pollution, plastics, water quality, the health of the marine environment and sustainability of our processes should be forefront in our minds. They affect our quality of life, and our bottom line in business.”
Click Here to make a donation!For more information on the foundation visit https://bluemarinefoundation.enthuse.com/pf/the-superyacht-people
For more information on the event visit https://www.london-monaco.cc/
To keep up to date with all marine industry news visit www.marinebusinessnews.com.au
