Froome will participate in a race on water bikes across the Mediterranean

While his sporting future remains officially unclear, Chris Froome has found a new challenge away from professional competitions. The 41-year-old Brit will participate on June 19 in The Crossing, a charity crossing that will cover 225 kilometers on water bikes between Viareggio (Italy) and Monaco.

Chris Froome will face an unusual charity challenge: crossing the Mediterranean on a water bike

Froome will be part of one of the eight participating teams in this initiative promoted by the Princess Charlene Foundation of Monaco and the Prince Albert II Foundation of Monaco. In total, there will be 32 athletes divided into teams of four, with the goal of raising funds for projects related to ocean protection, water safety, and drowning prevention.

The former WorldTour cyclist will not be alone. Among the participants are also former professionals Jakob Fuglsang and Filippo Pozzato, who will share the spotlight in such a demanding yet unique event.

RECOMENDADO

The new Megamo Along breaks the limits of e-gravel: racing design, 130 Nm, 600 Wh, and a frame weighing 1,300 g

Impeccable sprint and victory for Wout Van Aert in stage 5 of the "Dauphiné"

Evenepoel reveals his power data and fuels the debate ahead of the Tour

The new SRAM megafactory in Portugal will manufacture its entire catalog for Europe

New, better, and cheaper: SCOTT upgrades its top-of-the-line XC shoes in a big way

New SCOTT Spark RC 2027 from €3,799 (12.9 kg) up to €13,699 (9.9 kg): all the setups, weights, and prices

The route will cross the Pelagos Sanctuary, a protected marine area located between the French Riviera, Monaco, and the coast of Liguria. The event also has the support of the Scicon Sports brand and aims to draw attention to the need to protect the Mediterranean ecosystem.

As Princess Charlene of Monaco explained during the project presentation, the goal is to demonstrate that sport can become a tool to promote marine conservation and environmental awareness.

The crossing will be entirely on water bikes, vessels powered by pedaling that allow movement over the water's surface and have gained popularity in recent years in endurance events and charity challenges.

A new chapter for Froome while his future remains unclear

Froome's participation in The Crossing comes at a time when his sporting situation continues to be a mystery. The Brit has not competed since last season and is currently without a team after ending his association with the structure that previously raced under the name Israel-Premier Tech.

Since then, he has maintained a relatively low profile. In March, he was appointed director of innovation for the artificial intelligence platform Vekta, and in April, he participated in a Gran Fondo in Panama alongside Alejandro Valverde, where he even recreated his iconic run up the slopes of Mont Ventoux during the 2016 Tour de France.

Despite this, Froome has still not officially announced his retirement from professional cycling. The last time he spoke about his future was last winter when he stated that he was not yet ready to discuss his plans and would communicate them when the time came.

In the meantime, the Brit continues to find new challenges. This time it will not be on a road bike, but pedaling on water in one of the most eye-catching charity crossings on the calendar.