COCC 2020 Postponed

Given the uncertainty caused by the current Coronavirus situation we have decided to postpone this year’s COCC ride until later in the year.

We believe that this is the prudent action to take at this time and hopefully people will be able to confirm participation once the new date is confirmed.

We hope that participants are not too inconvenienced by this and that any travel plans can be rearranged once we have advised the new date.

Anyone who has already paid and does not want to take part on the new date will be refunded upon request.

Kind regards

Damian

Show Support For Charity In Monaco: Sponsor The COCC Bike Ride

The COCC bike ride is next month and we are still accepting sponsorships from all businesses looking to support charity in Monaco. On Sunday 26th April, around a hundred cyclists, each equipped with a good bike and an even better sense of humour, will take to the roads to cycle the 140km from St Tropez to Monaco. Below, learn about our incredible cause and how you can get involved.

Support charity in Monaco by donating to our cause 

All funds raised by the COCC charity bike ride will go to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, an organisation which works to improve water safety for everyone through a range of programmes. 

There are an estimated 372,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide, with drowning being the third-leading cause of unintentional injury/death worldwide. What’s more, individuals with increased access to water have a higher risk of drowning.  

Our event organiser Damien Crean summed it up nicely when he said: “Anyone who sees what the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation does should be willing to help.” 

Sponsorship options for the COCC bike ride

Our happy riders entering Monaco

Each charity bike ride typically raises around 100,000€, but this year we are looking to up our game, calling for more established Monaco businesses to get behind this worthy cause. This could either be by sponsoring our event or donating directly to the foundation - either way, you will be showing your support for charity in Monaco. 

If you do wish to sponsor this event, there are a variety of options for businesses to choose between, from pre and post-event representation to sponsoring the start of the race in Saint Tropez, the end of the race at Stars n’ Bars, or the street party.

Riders enjoying a little refreshment at Ma Nolans in Nice

Alternatively, there are still a few spaces for any last-minute participants in the race, although at this stage it would be advisable to only apply if you are fairly fit, with most of our cyclists already having started their training programme. To enter you’ll need to raise 1,000€ in sponsorship, and this covers our professional kit, mechanical backup, insurance, brunch at the halfway point at Ma Nolan’s Nice Port, water and energy supplies, and a contribution to the charity.

We hope you’ll show your support for charity in Monaco by donating to, sponsoring, or joining our charity bike ride in April.

Lunch Saturday 25th April - St Tropez

Dear All

Bradley Mitton of Club Vivanova is hosting a lunch at the Hotel La Ferme d'Augustin in St Tropez on Sat 25th April for the COCC – details below.

The price is € 65 including wine - of which € 20 will be donated to the Foundation. There are around 50 places available, if you are interested please let me or Bradley know ASAP.

Details are below

www.clubvivanova.com/events/25apr2020.

There is also a discount available on accommodation at the hotel.

 Regards

Damian

Cycle with a purpose and enjoy stunning views of the French Riviera

The Champagne and Oyster Cycling Club is gearing up to host the 9th annual St Tropez to Monaco bike ride, on Sunday, 26th April.  

The ride is in aid of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, which aims to support and encourage the next generation of young athletes. It kicks off at 8 a.m. from St. Tropez, with riders scheduled to arrive in Monaco at 5 p.m. The event is scheduled to round-off with a street party, featuring a barbecue and live music.

Not only do participants get to ride for a purpose, but the route also takes in some of the most stunning views on the French Riviera.

If you fancy participating in a ride full of fun and stunning views, then make sure to sign up for this fun-filled ride by sending your application forms before the end of February to ensure that we can order your kit. So, while you pedal for a purpose, here are just some of the stunning views on the French Riviera you can look forward to.

COCC Riders enjoying the view in Villefranche-sur-Mer

From St Tropez to Monaco: Stunning views of the French Riviera 

Gulf of St Tropez

As you cycle from St Tropez to Monaco, soak up a view of the Gulf of St Tropez, with its wooded hills that gently slope towards the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Here you’ll find pretty villages, dreamlike coves, beaches, and marinas. Stunning views on the French Riviera don’t get much better than this one.

Esterel Mountains

This low-lying ravined mountain range hugs the Mediterranean coastal mountain range and, viewed from the race route, is one of the most beautiful views on the Cote d’Azur as the red rocks create a stunning contrast of colours. Filled with hiking routes, this is a popular spot with walkers and those who wish to revel in nature.

Bay of Cannes and Lérins Islands

Cycling from St Tropez to Monaco, you will enjoy a view of the Bay of Cannes and the Lérins Islands, stunning island retreats just off the coast of Cannes. These tranquil islands boast unspoiled nature, hidden beaches, and vineyards, maintained by the islands’ only inhabitants; Cistercian monks. The islands are surrounded by crystal clear blue waters.

Bay of Angels

Regarded as one of the prettiest bays in France, the Bay of Angels in Nice is famed for its good looks, making it a pleasure to behold on your bike ride. Its pretty pebble beach curves almost five miles along the bay, and is hugged by a broad walkway, punctuated by pretty seaside restaurants, elegant bars, and grand palm trees. 

St-Jean Cap Ferrat Peninsula

Enjoy a striking panorama of the St Jean Cap Ferrat Peninsula, which juts out from the mainland into the azure waters of the Mediterranean. This forested peninsula is both glamorous and beautiful - one of the most stunning views in the French Riviera. Remarkably unspoilt, St Jean Cap Ferrat attracts the world’s wealthiest, who are drawn to its old-world glamour and picturesque unspoilt beauty.

Cap d’Ail

Stretching along a particularly peaceful part of the French coastline at the border with Monaco, Cap d'Ail’s rugged coastline is dotted with luxury villas. One of the more peaceful destinations between Nice and Monaco, you will be able to spot its pretty beaches, including the popular Plage Mala, from our cycle route.

Port Hercule Monaco

One of Monaco’s glitziest destinations and home to a selection of the world’s most extravagant superyachts, Port Hercule is a world-famous destination. As you cycle from St Tropez to Monaco soak up a sweeping view of this spectacular natural bay that is the only deep-water port along the French Riviera. Without question, this is one of the most stunning views of the French Riviera.

So, what are you waiting for? Put your pedal power to the test and participate in April’s St. Tropez to Monaco bike ride for a good cause - your eyes will thank you!

2020 Rider Applications

Can all riders interested in participating in this year’s ride please submit their application forms ASAP as we need to finalise the kit orders by end of February. The Monaco forms with doctors certificates can follow later.

Many thanks

Damian

Well nourished for the COCC ride - with Metabolic Balance

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Well-nourished for the COCC ride - powerful and top fit due to tailor-made nutrition

You are planning to participate at the COCC ride or any sporting events - the training schedule is thoroughly planned, you are highly motivated and yet you have difficulties in achieving your individual self-defined training goals. But why? To be successful in sports, in addition to the training, it is also the right nutrition which plays a decisive role.

Can dietary supplements assist here?

Plenty of athletes strive to optimise their performance with an extra portion of magnesium, vitamins or protein. And not just competitive athletes; even ambitious amateur athletes do so. It is true that people who are active in sports need more proteins, vitamins and minerals than "couch potatoes".  But it is not as easy as that: eating larger amounts of food is not sufficient to cover the additional needs for nutrients and to thus supply the body with the required amount of all vital substances. As in most cases, the choice of food is not individually tailored to the body, but rather selected in view of the food providing plenty of energy and building up optimum muscle mass.

Is your metabolism well balanced?

Our bodily functions depend on our body's ability to best utilize and transport nutrients into our body cells. This requires a balanced, well-functioning metabolism. The metabolism is the same for everyone, yet each individual's nutrient requirements depend on many factors such as gender, age, activity, weight or muscle mass, to name just a few. Do you know your metabolism and nutrient requirements? No? You don't? In such a case, we recommend the Metabolic Balance programme which will help you to bring your metabolism into balance in no time. You thus create the basis to effectively metabolise the nutrients which are especially valuable to you and easily increase your performance. Click here to watch the Metabolic Balance image video.

What is the problem of general dietary recommendations?

You can of course still let yourself be guided by all the omnipresent, well-meant advice and nutritional recommendations on the subject of sports and nutrition - such as putting the emphasis on carbohydrates in sports nutrition. But you should be aware that at least half of your daily energy intake should be provided by carbohydrates, preferably complex carbohydrates, which are found in whole grain products, vegetables, fruit, pasta, potatoes and pseudocereals.

Basically, this is true; but did you know that the body needs B vitamins, especially vitamin B1, to be able to draw energy from carbohydrates? The same applies to the macronutrient fat, which cannot be burnt effectively, if there aren't enough coenzyme Q10 or L-carnitine available. Protein also requires a sufficient amount of vital substances such as vitamin B6 and magnesium so that it can be effectively converted and built up into the body's own muscle mass. As long as your metabolism is not balanced and you do not supply your body with the required nutrients in sufficient quantities, you should not be surprised if your fitness, condition and muscle build-up improve very slowly only. This is comparable to a 4-cylinder car engine, which only runs on three cylinders: it is useless to fuel this car with the best petrol - the car won't become faster if other parts are broken.

Tailored nutritional recommendations lead to success!

Effective nutritional advice or recommendations for athletes before the start of their training first require a detailed casetaking and health history, which should include metabolic parameters (blood values, weight, mood disorders and possible intolerances) and the previous diet. On this basis, a nutrition plan will be created that is perfectly tailored to your needs and can form the basis for your effective training. The nutrition can then be adjusted accordingly during the training period, competition and in the regeneration phase in order to best boost your performance. The Metabolic Balance Programme is a nutrition plan which allows you to master your individual sports projects, gain more vitality and fitness and lose a few kilos in the process.  Request your tailor-made Metabolic Balance plan today and increase your sporting performance and general well-being to its maximum!

Request your tailor-made Metabolic Balance plan today and increase your sporting performance and general well-being to its maximum! 
Get a 25% discount on your tailor-made Metabolic Balance plan until 15. March 2020 or a 10% discount in the period from 16. March 2020 to 01. May 2020.

SARL Metabolic Balance International

2. Avenue Princesse Grace
98000 Monaco
RCI: 18 S 07714

Cell +377 6 43 91 91 72
Tel +377 99 90 29 40
silvia.mischler@mb-intl.com
https://www.metabolic-balance.mc/
N° VAT: FR31000134998

Application Forms 2020

Dear All

Applications are now open for the 2020 COCC ride, please download and complete the forms from the website.

Please send the application form as soon as possible in order that we may place this year’s kit, the medical forms can follow later.

https://coccmonaco.com/apply

Thanks

Damian

How To Prepare For A Long Bike Ride

We know that the idea of cycling from St Tropez to Monaco may sound intimidating - after all, when we first came up with the idea we had never done it before either! However, with the first ride in 2011 we have now been cycling this route for nearly a decade, and we wouldn’t change that for the world. Your first long-distance outing will always be the hardest, but here at the Champagne and Oyster Cycling Club (COCC) we make sure we also have a lot of fun along the way. Below, discover five crucial tips for how to prepare for a long bike ride.

Here’s how to prepare for a long bike ride

The training

COCC Rider 2017

It’s important to get your body ready for the long bike ride ahead - cycling 130km is no mean feat, especially in the South of France sun! If you are new to cycling, slowly build how long you can ride for, starting with a manageable amount of time like 30 minutes. Train with a mixture of flat and hilly routes, so you can be prepared for all parts of the ride - you’d be surprised at how much more energy going uphill can take. 

Remember that pedalling shouldn’t be a struggle - use the gears appropriately to make sure you can get your legs turning quickly and smoothly. Leaving your bike on too low a gear can quickly exhaust your muscles, meaning you’re more likely to burn out. 

The key to how to prepare for a long bike ride is ensuring that you will be able to cycle the distance and enjoy it. If you have enough time, it is a great idea to cover as close to the total distance as possible before the race, so that you know you can do it.  

The bike

 Another large part of preparing for a long bike ride is finding a bicycle that you feel comfortable with. If you don’t already have a bike, you will want to choose one that is designed for comfort and endurance. With so many options on the market, we would always recommend you get the advice of a cycling specialist, who will be able to factor in things like your personal riding style as well as your size and height, not to mention the type of terrain you will be cycling on. 

Once you have your bike, the week before the race is a good time to make sure it is all in perfect working condition. Ensure the saddle is the right height for you, make sure your tires have plenty of tread, that your brakes work and the brake blocks still have plenty of life in them, that the cables are not frayed, and that your gears all work. Take it to your local bike shop for a check-over if you’re not sure. 

The outfit

COCC Rider 2019

How to prepare for a long bike ride with your wardrobe? You’ll want to invest in some good quality shorts, with a well-positioned chamois (or pad) to cover your sitting bones and ultimately increase your comfort. Pair these with a cycling jersey, which should be close fitting while allowing your skin to breathe - look for one with a high SPF rating to protect you from the sun. Tinted glasses will help your vision, while cycling mitts will stop your hands from chaffing. Most cyclists also choose to wear clip-in cycling shoes, which have stiff soles for comfortable, efficient pedalling - you will need a certain type of pedal for this, so it is worth mentioning when you are purchasing your bike. And of course, don’t forget your helmet, crucial in keeping you safe. 

Luckily, the COCC provides all its participants with a professional cycling outfit as part of our entrance fee, meaning you’ll be well kitted out on the day. Just remember that you will need your own kit for training if you are new to our ride and don’t have an outfit from previous years.

The food and drink 

A long bike ride requires you to stay hydrated and sustained with nutrients, otherwise you may suffer ‘the bonk’ - cyclist terminology for a deficiency of glucose in the bloodstream, which will make your brain feel fuzzy - and hit the wall. Avoid this by drinking a bottle of water every hour and eating a few bites of food every thirty minutes - this could be something like a nutrition bar, a piece of fruit or a protein ball. Don’t worry, we won’t expect you to carry all this water on you; we have pre-arranged stops where we can refill bottles and eat a little more. 

The mentality

We’ve covered the physical preparation, but how to prepare for a long bike ride mentally? The thought of cycling for nine or so hours is exhausting, and most cyclists find they will hit a point when the initial excitement has worn off and it still feels like there is forever to go. That’s why it can be helpful to divide it into two or three segments, and have a plan for each. 

Keep it feeling easy in the first section, so as not to exhaust yourself too much - you’ve got a long road ahead. Pick up the energy levels in the second section, and give it all you’ve got left to propel yourself into St Tropez in the final segment, driven by the thought of the lively welcome party in Stars n Bars!

If you’d like to participate in the 2020 COCC Ride Monaco, get in touch to book your slot today.  

Sponsors for 2020

Dear All

We are finalising the kit design for 2020 and need confirmation from all sponsors ASAP.

Can anyone wishing to sponsor the kit for this event please send an email to damian@mclarengroup.com to confirm ASAP.

Many thanks for your support

Damian

2020 COCC Date - 26th April

The date for the 2020 COCC Ride has now been confirmed as 26th April.

Can Sponsors please confirm their support as soon as possible; application forms for riders will be available on the site shortly.

This year we are trying to extend our social media coverage and build awareness for the ride, anyone out training and posting to instagram please #official.cocc in order that we may repost on our instagram page.

See you on the road