Kévin Vauquelin Wins Key Stage and Leads Étoile de Bessèges Amid Safety Concerns

The French cyclist triumphed in a shortened fourth stage while the race faced criticism over safety issues and weather disruptions.

Kévin Vauquelin of Arkéa-B&B Hotels claimed victory in the challenging fourth stage of the Étoile de Bessèges, finishing atop Mont Bouquet.
The stage was shortened due to severe weather, with heavy rain causing flooding in parts of the route in the Gard region.
Vauquelin's win also secured his lead in the general classification, ahead of Nicolas Breuillard and Kevin Geniets, with one stage remaining.
The race has been marred by safety concerns, including incidents of vehicles on the course during earlier stages, prompting an investigation by the UCI.
The final stage, a 10.645 km individual time trial, is set to take place on Sunday, where Vauquelin is favored to confirm his overall victory.