The launch of LikeBike Monte Carlo

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High-tech design and style on wheels

The Mayor of London is in illustrious company in his mission to encourage cycling: Prince Albert II of Monaco is also an enthusiastic cyclist and promotes the benefits of pedal power to Monégasques. The principality is therefore a logical place to host the world’s first high-end bicycle show, and LikeBike Monte Carlo launches in association with Fédération Monégasque de Cyclisme over the Easter weekend (April 3-5, tickets from €15) at the Grimaldi Forum.  

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“You don’t need to look too far these days to see that the bicycle market is changing dramatically, with high-tech and high-fashion brands becoming involved in design and manufacture,” says Wladimir Singer, co-founder of LikeBike. “Even traditional bicycle styles have a contemporary twist.”

Vehicles on show include the handmade-in-Milan Pininfarina Fuoriserie by Pininfarina (£6,730, first picture), limited to just 30 models and inspired by 1930s bespoke cars. Continuing the motoring theme, the Aero Road 6.2 by Dassi (£5,600, second picture) was designed by a former Rolls-Royce engineer. The more traditional Malle Moynat (£33,659, third picture) is an exquisite old-fashioned French model with a picnic trunk on the handlebars containing porcelain goblets, plates and cutlery.

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The burgeoning electric bike market is also represented by Bicicletto by SPA (£8,975, fourth picture) and the Gocycle by KKL (£2,799, fifth picture), which give riders a boost up the hills of Monte Carlo.


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Electronics are biciclette non grata at the NiteRace, which takes place after dark on Monaco’s Formula One Grand Prix track five days before the exhibition (Sunday March 29) for amateur enthusiasts and cycling pros – though they will give special demonstrations along the route beforehand.


To add to this whirligig of all things wheels, a gala dinner will be held at the Yacht Club de Monaco (Saturday April 4) raising funds to help the charity Monaco Aide et Présence (MAP) distribute bicycles to schools and clubs.

Monaco has 35 professional cyclists in residence, but the inaugural luxury LikeBike Monte Carlo will have enthusiasts pedalling in from all over the world.