Aussie odyssey

Like Tom Hill, Cameron Bray has been cycling his whole life. Bray said, “It’s my thing outside of work, it’s my escape.

“I was Queensland schoolboys champion, and the past two 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 HSH Prince Albert, the patron of the charity, so the ride finishes at the palace.

“My reasons for doing it are numerous,” he continued. “I’ve made my career out of the ocean through yachting, so it’s an opportunity to give back.

“While 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’m pleased to 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 renowned 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 sixty riders will take part in this year’s event, starting in London and travelling through the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy and Monaco, finishing at the palace of HSH 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 renowned refit and marina facilities.

Bray will be crossing the line with an inflatable boxing kangaroo on his shoulders, as Hill did in 2018, so Australia will definitely be front and centre once again. The London to Monaco ride, from 19 to 26 September, combines Bray’s greatest passions – the superyacht industry, cycling and the marine environment. The event ends the day prior to the 2023 Monaco Yacht Show, which runs from 27 to 30 September.

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.”

To support the ride donations can be made online.

london-monaco.cc