Beking, Monaco’s thrilling cycling event, is set to return to Port Hercule on November 23rd, bringing together the sport’s biggest names alongside amateur cyclists and families for a full day of racing and activities.
For its fifth year, world champion Tadej Pogačar will headline the men’s professional criterium field, fresh from his first victory at Il Lombardia. He’ll be joined by former Milano-Sanremo winner Matej Mohorič, Grand Tour stage winner Michael Matthews, and Italian riders including Jonathan Milan, Giulio Ciccone and Matteo Moschetti. Additionally, Matteo Trentin, the event’s host and the driving force behind Beking since its creation, will also compete.
The women’s race will feature an equally impressive lineup, led by multi-discipline world champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who recently won the Tour de France Femmes. She’ll face competition from Tour de France Femmes 2024 winner Kasia Niewiadoma, sprint specialist Lorena Wiebes, Chiara Consonni, who recently claimed bronze in the Madison at the Track World Championships.
Amateurs to ride with legends
Meanwhile, amateur riders will also get their chance to compete alongside cycling legends in the Pro/Am charity race, which starts at 9:30am. This year’s captains include Tour de France stage wins record holder Mark Cavendish, 2010 world champion Thor Hushovd, recently retired Jakob Fuglsang, and Paris Roubaix winner Sonny Colbrelli. Formula 1 driver Antonio Giovinazzi and former French footballer Jean-Pierre Papin will also lead teams.
“The Pro-Am is when cycling truly shows its power as a vehicle for unity, and generosity and inspiration,” says Trentin. “Seeing champions and amateurs riding together for a common cause tells the story of our event better than any words could.”
Children remain at the heart of the event, with a programme of pre-event activities involving schools and workshops. On the day, young cyclists will be able to ride the same circuit as the professionals. Additionally, a dedicated Kids Area will also host activities focused on road safety and sustainable transport.
Proceeds from the day will support the Beking Foundation, which was established by professional cyclists following earlier editions of the event and focuses on educational and sporting projects for young people.
“Reaching the fifth edition feels truly inspiring,” says Trentin. “We race all over the world for a living, but Beking is different. Here, we ride with a purpose: the ambition to build something lasting for the next generation and for the planet.”
Registration for the Pro/Am race is now open, with places limited and can be made through Beking’s official website:https://bekingevents.com
See more from last year’s event:
World champion Tadej Pogačar wins Monaco Beking’s professional race
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Main photo credit: Beking official