Formula 1 drivers can sometimes seem to have days that never end, between flights, sponsor commitments and long hours in the simulator. Yet some still find time to pursue small business projects away from racing, whether through fashion brands, energy drinks, ice cream or simply merchandise aimed at their supporters. The latest to venture beyond motorsport is Oliver Bearman, who has opened a cycling café in the hills outside Monaco called Triple Crown Riviera.
The new venture combines two elements closely associated with cycling culture. Alongside a small bicycle workshop, reflecting Oliver Bearman’s passion for cycling, there is a café serving coffee and pastries. The idea is to create a convenient stop for riders in the area, whether they want something to eat and drink during a ride or need accessories for their bike.
Oliver Bearman combines cycling and coffee at Triple Crown Riviera
The concept also gives Oliver Bearman the opportunity to become involved in decisions far removed from the Formula 1 paddock. Speaking on the Beyond The Grid podcast, the British driver explained what visitors can expect from the new location.
“We have great banana bread and also fantastic coffee. I’m not a big connoisseur, but I know cyclists have particular tastes, so we offer a good product,” Oliver Bearman said. “I opened this place with some friends, and it’s fun to have my say on certain choices.”
For someone accustomed to the highly structured environment of Formula 1, the project offers a very different type of involvement. Rather than focusing on lap times, engineering meetings or simulator work, Triple Crown Riviera revolves around one of Oliver Bearman’s personal interests and the cycling community surrounding Monaco.
Oliver Bearman initially wanted to keep the café quiet
Oliver Bearman had originally intended to keep the venue relatively secret. That plan did not last, however, after influencer Max Klymenko prompted the British driver to discuss the project on camera in the Silverstone paddock.
A few days ago, Oliver Bearman then officially announced the opening of the café through a video on social media. The clip subsequently went viral, bringing considerably more attention to a project that had initially been kept largely away from the spotlight.
The prices may not resemble those found in a traditional Italian café, but Triple Crown Riviera offers something slightly different: a place designed around cycling, coffee and a chance to slow down during the summer break. For Oliver Bearman, it is also an unusual business venture away from the relentless schedule of Formula 1 and an opportunity to turn one of his interests outside motorsport into a project shared with friends.
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