Key Takeaways:
– Several top-tier cycling teams abandoned the Etoile de Bessèges race citing safety concerns and intrusion of vehicles on the course.
– Major names including Soudal-QuickStep, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, EF Education-EasyPost and Uno-X Mobility pulled out from the race.
– A car intrusion had caused a near accident during Stage 2 and the issue recurred on Friday, prompting widespread protests.
– The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has launched an investigation into the incidents and reassured that measures are being implemented to prevent recurrence.
– Some riders continued the race, despite a majority favouring stopping it due to safety threats.
The Race Track: Scene of Turmoil
The third stage of the renowned Etoile de Bessèges cycling race witnessed an unfortunate turn of events as majority teams decided to quit. Citing dangerous conditions and intruding vehicles on the course, prominent teams like Soudal-QuickStep, Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale, EF Education-EasyPost, and Uno-X Mobility decided to cease their participation. Ineos Grenadiers also confirmed their exit with Cyclingnews, prioritising the safety of their personnel above the competition.
Earlier Incidents Prompt Withdrawal
Reacting to the repeated incidents of public vehicles traversing the track, the British team announced their decision of not completing Stage 3 at #EDB25. Emphasising on the paramount significance of rider and staff safety, they resonated with the sentiments of other withdrawing teams.
Soudal-QuickStep, addressing the situation, expressed their disapproval with the recurrence of motor vehicle incidents on the course and decided not to rejoin the race. Priority of rider and staff safety propelled the move. EF Education-EasyPost voiced similar concerns and retired from the Etoile de Bessèges citing safety concerns.
Close Shave with Disaster
A car intrusion during the second stage on Thursday had already created a stir, with riders miraculously averting a high-speed accident. This led to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe’s Maxim Van Gils crashing and subsequently quitting the race. Friday saw the dangerous recurrence of civilian cars on the track, much to the riders’ angst.
UCI Response & Future of the Race
Late Friday, the international governing body for cycling, UCI, announced an investigation into the car intrusions during the second and third stages. The body reassured that preventive measures are underway to avert similar future occurrences. Despite the tumult, the remaining stages of the Etoile de Bessèges are expected to proceed over the weekend.
Continued Race Amid Controversy
After encountering a car on a roundabout, stage 3 was briefly neutralised for the climb and descent of the Cols des Brousses. Despite this, several French riders were in favour of continuing the race, sparking debates among rider representatives and race officials. As some riders restarted the race, others decided to head to their buses, concluding their participation.
In light of the recent incidents, safety protocols surrounding such events are poised to garner closer scrutiny to prevent jeopardising rider safety in future races. As investigations progress, the remaining stages of the race will decide the fate of the Etoile de Bessèges amidst the gripping controversies.