UCI issues a statement regarding Etoile de Besseges traffic violations

The Etoile de Bessèges is a race that has unfortunately had negative incidents in the past and in 2025 it's reputation has only gone down. In the space of less than 24 hours, two moving vehicles got in the way of the peloton and created situations of serious risk. The race continues, albeit with it's peloton cut to half, but the UCI is looking to take action to prevent this from taking place at any other point.

"The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is investigating two separate incidents at the French Class 1 stage race, l’Étoile de Bessèges – Tour du Gard. Both incidents – during the second stage on Thursday 6 February and the third stage the following day – involved a motor vehicle unconnected with the event on the race route," the UCI's statement read.

On stage 2 a road was not closed and a car moved into where the peloton was about to pass. Whilst not directly, the swerving led to a crash that saw Maxim van Gils abandon the race. This in itself was a shock and earned the organization lots of criticism. But this Friday there was an immediate response to another incident of a car entering the course. The peloton stopped on it's tracks immediately and the representatives talked to the race commissaires.

Seemingly, the race continued but after there was clear communication that teams were justified to abandon the race. Seven teams left, whilst several other teams (such as the day's winner Lotto) were dismembered and left only with a few riders. This was also the case because in the middle of the neutralization, there were big problems with communication. It was only understood that riders were withdrawing when they slowly arrived at the bus area.

"Measures are being taken to avoid a repetition of the problems that occurred on these stages, although some teams have elected to withdraw from the race. The UCI will continue to investigate thoroughly into the issues with the road closures, and take the necessary action bearing in mind that organisers are subject to the table of sanctions in article 2.12.011 of the UCI Regulations."

"The UCI emphasises that it takes the matter of rider security extremely seriously, and has also taken note of the concerns raised by SafeR, the structure dedicated to rider safety in men’s and women’s professional road cycling," the statement concluded.