Princess Charlene struts her stuff on the water

Benoni’s very own princess, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco, hosted the second Riviera Water Bike Challenge on June 17.

South African celebrities and other international athletes from around the world took part.

This year the host, Princess Charlene, and her team took home the winning title in the race.

A mixed team of professional athletes and amateurs competed on Schiller S1-C water bikes in a relay race covering a 21km loop in front of the sun terrace on Monaco harbour’s sea wall.

In an exclusive telephone interview with Clyde Meela on June 18, the princess shared her excitement and gratitude to all those who supported her and her foundation during the race.

How was the water bike challenge?

It was a hugely successful event, I was a little bit tired this morning from the event, but I am doing well today (June 18).

Are there any winners, or do all the teams race for good morale and to aid the Princess Charlene Foundation?

Yes, there are winners, and my team won, it was not expected, but we are very happy about that. It was 21km, and we each completed five laps of the race. It took us about two-and-a-half hours.

This is the second one, what was different about it?

Last year was the first of its kind and it was from Nice to Monaco. This year we were on the outskirts of the Monaco harbour and it was much easier. Last year was a bit difficult with the boats and other logistics in the way.

What can we expect next year?

We are going to be coming to Cape Town on October 17, but it would be a great idea to do it in one of the lakes in Benoni, but we are going to keep it in the ocean for now for logistic reasons.

July is Mandela Month and he would have been 100 years old. Is your foundation doing anything locally in South Africa for this event?

Well, yes, not much is confirmed at the moment, but I will be coming to Joburg to be part of the celebrations in the second week of July.

What are your future plans with your foundation in South Africa and Africa at large?

My foundation is picking up great momentum, we have a couple of projects throughout the Eastern Cape and Ryk Neethling, a three-time world champion, Olympic gold medallist swimmer, ambassador of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and CEO of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation South Africa, has some great initiatives and events coming up for my foundation. Watch this space.

Listen to the rest of the interview and more on Caxton Radio Benoni, by clicking on the ‘Click to listen live’ button above.

Follow us on these platforms:

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za