Heroic effort
Tom Hill from Australia has completed the 2018 London to Monaco bike ride – an epic feat through eight countries over seven days, 19 to 25 September.
30 September 2018
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Helping lead the 100-strong peloton into Monaco and a warm reception at the Royal Palace of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, the sole Aussie in the event, Tom was relieved and proud to have notched up the achievement.
“To say I was proud to represent Australia and my family business Rivergate Marina and Shipyard in Brisbane would be an understatement,” said Tom, who was cheered over the line by a passionate band of Australian superyacht industry proponents brandishing green and yellow boxing kangaroos who are in the Principality for the Monaco Yacht Show.
“The riders in this year’s event represent the world’s leading superyacht businesses. They are CEOs, directors and managers – senior influencers who are well informed about Australia’s refit facilities, ingenuity and our spectacular cruising destinations.
“Australia is well and truly on the ‘Bucket List’ of superyacht owners and Captains, as well as charter yacht managers looking for pristine cruising grounds and new experiences, such as Sydney Harbour for New Year’s Eve, the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania and the Kimberley region. So many reasons to bring their vessels Downunder!”
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As a Director of Rivergate Marina & Shipyard in Queensland and Tropical Fruit World in New South Wales, Tom is no stranger to accolades for tourism, exports, business and marine excellence.
Since 2006, Rivergate has welcomed 250 significant superyachts and commercial vessels for maintenance and refit work, generating revenue for local trades, onsite tenants and Queensland businesses associated with provisions, tourism and events.
And Tropical Fruit World, the biologically sustainable tropical fruit farm, celebrated 35 years in tourism and horticulture this year. Tom’s family farm cultivates more than 500 varieties of fruit in fertile, volcanic soils and supplies exotic and nutritious fruits to local, interstate and national markets.
This year’s 1,100km London2Monaco ride, organised by Just Pedal, departed from London with a Royal send-off courtesy of lycra-clad Princess Zara and Mike Tindall.
Riders cycled between 100 and 250kms each day through the UK, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy before arriving in Monaco to a rapturous welcome from media, friends, family and colleagues.
All funds raised this year will support the Blue Marine Foundation’s conservation projects on Ascension and St Helena, the Mediterranean and Lyme Bay.
“The London to Monaco ride unites my great passions – the superyacht industry, cycling and the marine environment.
“Raising money for the Blue Marine Foundation, riding alongside the industry’s finest, is my main objective. Flying the Australian flag as the only Aussie in the event was the absolute highlight.”
“Oceans are our livelihood,” said Tom. “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 temperature, 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 date, Tom has well surpassed his target of £5,000 but is still accepting further donations for the Blue Marine Foundation here.
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