Étoile de Bessèges: the second stage neutralized until the finish after a huge fall!
The second stage of the Etoile de Bessèges between Bagard and Aubais (164.7 km) was neutralized until the finish. The medical means would no longer be important enough to ensure the safety of the runners after the huge fall which occurred just over 20 km from the finish.
It’s historic. There will be no winner this Thursday on the second stage. A terrible fall just over 20 km from the finish forced the organization of the race to neutralize this second stage until the finish in Aubais.
The race is neutralized on the Étoile de Bessèges!
Following a fall in a narrow road, the marshals preferred to neutralize the race, for safety reasons. #theVELOteam pic.twitter.com/DbyRcsLYM7
— the chain L’Équipe (@lachainelequipe) February 2, 2023
Many runners remained on the ground for a long time, stunned by the violence of the impact. Indeed, the peloton was driving at high speed, in pursuit of a leading group. On the images of the L’Equipe channel, we can see in particular Valentin Ferron (TotalEnergies) clinging to the edge of the bridge on which the runners fell.
The actors of the race had to dismount while waiting for the green light from the marshals of the race to overcome this second stage. But this green light does not intervene.
The second stage of the Étoile de Bessèges is neutralized!
Following the big crash that occurred 22km from the finish, the marshals decided to neutralize the stage, for safety reasons. So there will be no winner. #theVELOteam #EDB2023 pic.twitter.com/sBc1gqreV0
— the chain L’Équipe (@lachainelequipe) February 2, 2023
The runners put on their jackets to reach the finish. The race is neutralized until the finish. The medical means would not be important enough following this huge fall to ensure the safety of the runners.
Arnaud De Lie (Lotto-Dstny) therefore remains the leader of the event.
Fr
