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Beking 2023, a party among friends
Charity, champions and a lot of fun at another unforgettable edition.
Words by Miriam | Photography by Patrizia | Styling by Beatrice
4 December 2023
In confirmation of the relentless passage of time, the third edition of Beking came to a close on Sunday. A long-awaited and now familiar event came and went in a flash. As the saying goes…”Time flies when you’re having fun”.
And it does. Beking is certainly a professional endeavour that, like all the activities we are involved in, deserves a lot of attention, time and dedication. But it is also a group of friends, a stimulating event that combines important values, strong messages and many, many ‘beautiful people’.
You could say it was a big group, if you count the more than 30 athletes – the undisputed protagonists – about twice as many insiders and a considerable number of journalists. Then there were the people who greeted and applauded the riders, and the children who joined Speedy on the track for a fun and educational day together.
The champions, the sun, the music on the track, slowly Port Hercule came alive and it was time for the first of the day’s three events: the Pro-Am. Amateurs, cycling legends and professionals competed in a team race. Peter Sagan’s, three-time world champion, team won…..
Speedy meanwhile waited for the children on the route because what came next was all about them. After riding together with their parents and the best riders in modern cycling – they were ready to compete and have fun all together.
And so, punctuated by the sound of the waves and the notes dictating the rhythm of a festive day, came the moment when Monaco is the protagonist of the criterium which – after crowning Philippe Gilbert in 2022 and Primoz Roglic at the end of the first edition – awaited its triumphant winner. 45 laps of the course, which includes sections of the F1 track run in reverse, would decide the winner. Ready, set, go. In an hour and 20′, speed became a spectacle. The spectators on the roadside were enthralled by the unique atmosphere of the city events, where people and champions come together. Peter Sagan did not disappoint and beat Tadej Pogacar to the finish line, followed closely by Mark Cavendish.
The usual prize-giving, group photos, interesting anecdotes and celebrations took place on the stage set up by the harbour – a unique setting that made it all the more surreal and exciting.
The champions then mingled with the public taking photos and signing autographs, while the children continued to take part in the many activities organised in the village.
It was 5pm, the track was slowly being cleared of barriers, everything was slowly returning to normal as the sun set and a new evening was being set up. The whole group gathered for a moment of sharing and charity, two of the most important values of the event.
It was over in a flash and once again an incredible experienc with people with strong charisma and entrepreneurial spirit was had. This third edition has taught us once again that unity brings great results, especially when the heart is used.
