Philippe Gilbert- My last season is not over, in Beking I race in the name of solidarity and sustainable mobility
The 2012 World Champion has a special connection to this project and will close his legendary career on the Monaco circuit.
Eighty career victories, including the 2012 World Championship in Limburg and five ‘Monument’ victories – a Ronde van Vlaanderen, a Paris-Roubaix, a LieÌ€ge-Bastogne-LieÌ€ge and two Giro di Lombardia: Philippe Gilbert not only has an outstanding record but can also be considered one of the most charismatic protagonists of international cycling in recent years.
At the age of forty, of which nineteen years of professionalism behind him, the Belgian champion has announced his retirement from competition, but fans will be able to see him compete on the road once again on 27 November, on the Beking Monaco 2022 circuit, a project of which he is one of the most convinced supporters.
“I believed in this initiative from the start,” he explained. “The thing that immediately got me involved was the aspect of promoting cycling in schools: it’s important to introduce our wonderful sport to young people and it’s a subject very close to my heart. My favorite part of this day will actually be in the morning when I will be able to ride with the children on the closed circuit, as it is the only time of the year you can do this in Monaco.”
In addition to bringing the kids closer to cycling, one of the many social implications of Beking is also the promotion of the bicycle as a sustainable transport mode for getting around the city, saving time, avoiding hours in traffic, and – last but not least – having a moment to oneself during which one can practice sport in the open air.
“Sport is a social vehicle and plays an important role in the development of children and human beings in general because we are meant to be active,” Gilbert said. “When I leave for training in the early hours of the day, I am always happy to pass people cycling to work in Munich. The clerk in my shop comes to work almost all year round on a bike and this definitely gives him a different twist to get through the day, he gains health and also happiness, an ingredient we all need, every day.”
The event is set for November 27th where the great champions will compete in a criterium that is the heart of the event and fans – young and old – will be able to experience a day alongside the most famous names in international cycling.
“I hope for a great success of the second edition,” he concludes. “I hope that the weather will also be on our side so that we can enjoy this day with as many people as possible. For me, Beking is a celebration of our sport.”
“Beking Monaco is an event that supports charities through cycling while raising awareness of cycling as a synonym for sustainable mobility. The event, organized by CMT and AWE, is open to the public, and will take place on 27 November at the Port Hercule in Monaco, with a variety of activities under the banner of sport and solidarity.”
