Reigning world champion Tadej Pogačar stole the spotlight at Monaco Beking 2024 over the weekend, claiming victory in the professional criterium and impressing the local crowds of families and supporters.
Despite a rainy start to the day, the fourth edition of Monaco Beking kicked off at 9am in Port Hercule on Sunday 24th November with an opening ceremony followed by the Pro/Am team presentations and the charity race that started at 9.30am.
The race, which was won by a team representing Fight Aids Monaco, spotlighted the collaboration between professional and amateur riders for a good cause. At 11.15am, the winners of the Pro/Am race were celebrated during an award ceremony, where Louis Ducruet, known for his support of local initiatives and his close involvement with Fight Aids Monaco, presented medals to the organisation’s riders.
Later in the morning, young cyclists had the chance to ride alongside their sporting heroes during the popular Kids Ride with Pros, a one-hour session that was an all-round hit with participants.
As the weather improved in the afternoon, attention turned to the professional criterium starring some of cycling’s biggest names.
Speaking ahead of the race, Tadej Pogačar, the Monaco-based Slovenian cyclist who made history in 2024 as only the third man ever to win the Triple Crown of the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia and a world title in the same year, said, “The weather might not be ideal, but it won’t stop us. Let’s race and make it a great day for cycling.”
Ducruet was given the honour of waving the start flag as the race along the slippery and challenging urban circuit got underway.
After a fierce battle, Pogačar crossed the finish line in first place, followed by former world champion Mads Pedersen in second and Grand Tour stage winner Michael Matthews in third.
To see some of the action from Monaco Beking, watch the Monaco Life Instagram reel below:
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Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department