Stage 1 of Etoile de Bessèges cancelled amidst massive farmer protests

The Etoile de Bessèges was meant to start this Wednesday in Bellegarde but this will have to wait a day. France is having large amounts of protests from farmers, and this has forced the authorities to cancel the opening day of the race.

High costs of energy, fertiliser and transport have caused widespread protests around Paris this week which are ongoing, as have several European countries over the past few months. Whilst quite distant, in the region of Gard, where the Etoile de Bessèges is set to take place, protests have led authorities to devote resources - mostly in police - which are necessary to ensure the protection and safety of riders and staff. Hence stage 1 has been cancelled officially, and there is at the time being no confirmation that the following stages will be able to be raced.