Cycling Teams Withdraw from Étoile de Bessèges Over Safety Concerns

Multiple teams exited the race after two incidents of vehicles entering the course, citing unacceptable risks to rider safety.

Several teams, including Soudal Quick-Step, Ineos, Lidl-Trek, Uno-X, and EF Education, withdrew from the Étoile de Bessèges following repeated vehicle intrusions on the race route.
The incidents involved cars driving on the course, with one occurring during the second stage and another at a roundabout during the third stage, prompting safety concerns.
A vote among riders initially led to plans to halt the race, but organizers decided to continue after neutralizing part of the stage and shortening it by 27 kilometers.
Some riders and teams criticized the decision to resume racing, arguing that it placed participants at risk and undermined the integrity of the event.
The incidents have sparked broader discussions about race safety protocols, with calls for stricter measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.