“Here, we can get close to the runners”: in Bellegarde, the public turned out for the grand start of the 55th edition of the Étoile de Bessèges

Les 147 coureurs du peloton se sont élancés ce mercredi midi devant une foule de spectateurs. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

The kick-off of the 55th Étoile de Bessèges brought together cycling fans and curious onlookers this Wednesday, February 5th in Bellegarde. Between proximity to the riders and festive atmosphere despite a light mistral, this first stage set the tone for a resolutely warm edition.

After 2023, it is once again in Bellegarde, in the heart of the village, that the 55th edition of the Étoile de Bessèges kicked off this Wednesday, February 5. The first stage race of the professional season in Europe, this emblematic event attracts runners, cycling enthusiasts and local elected officials every year. Between heated discussions and the rattling of derailleurs, 147 riders from 21 different teams took the start of a 159-kilometer loop around the Gard city.

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“Here, we can greet the riders”

At 12:10 p.m., the fictitious start brought together a motley crowd: families, regulars, local elected officials and curious young people who came to approach their heroes up close, with or without a cycling jersey. Gérard, 75, a seasoned cyclist with an impressive 270,000 km covered over the last thirty-five years, had a smile as wide as his memories of this legendary race. “What I like here is the proximity to the riders. Every year I travel from Bouches-du-Rhône. It's nothing like the Tour de France where everything is barricaded. Here, you can approach them, talk to them.”

A vintage style, does that tempt someone ? Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

A little further on, Hugo, 10 years old, was just as amazed: “I came with my bike, but I think I'll have to change it if I want to be like them”, he jokes as he observes the ultra-light machines of the professionals. For him, the Étoile de Bessèges is an opportunity to touch a nascent dream. “I became passionate about cycling this summer during the Tour de France. I wanted to come and see some of the riders up close”, he smiles.

“It's a golden opportunity to be able to showcase our region”

Under the watchful eye of Juan Martinez, Mayor of Bellegarde, and Rémi Nicolas, Mayor of the neighboring town of Marguerittes and Vice-President of the Gard Departmental Council, the inaugural stage took on the appearance of a showcase for the Gard department. “The Étoile de Bessèges, which is in fact the Tour du Gard, is a golden opportunity to be able to promote our territory on an international scale”, thus underlined Rémi Nicolas, referring to the broadcasting of the Tour in a dozen countries. And of course, we hope for a Frenchman to win. “I think this year's course is more suited to Kevin Vauquelin who finished second last year (beaten by two seconds by the Dane Mads Pedersen, Editor's note)”.

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Presentation of the Belgian Lotto team. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

Read also: Cycling: the voice of cycling Daniel Mangeas, victim of a stroke, will not be on the Étoile de Bessèges

However, a shadow hung over this first stage: the absence of Daniel Mangeas, the legendary voice of the Grande Boucle and French cycling. Victim of a stroke this Thursday, January 30, he was replaced by Damien Martin. If the popular fervor remained intact, many are those who evoke with nostalgia the inimitable intonations of Daniel Mangeas. “It's sad”, says Stéphane. “He's bound to be missed”, laments Gérard, who remembers having been able to talk with the French speaker during previous editions.

“If it was only for the bike, I wouldn't be here today”

Claudine Fangille-Allègre, president of the Union cycliste bességeoise and daughter of Roland, creator of the event in 1971.

What can we wish you for this new edition ?

I hope that we will have no worries during the week and that we will have a nice winner at the end. Given the teams involved, it promises to be a great edition.

55th edition, it's a great legacy…

My father, Roland, created the Etoile de Bessèges in 1971 and fought every year to keep it going. I remember, for the 20th anniversary, he said: “This is the last one.” And today, we are celebrating 55 years! When he left, I didn't want to take over, but the volunteers pushed me to continue this tradition. I have been at the head of the star for five years. It is not the cycling gene that keeps me going, it is the star gene. If it was only for cycling, I would not be here today.

And the rest?

We already have ideas for the 2026 route, with a few adjustments. But we are moving forward one edition after another. The budget will always be the deciding factor.

A well-stocked peloton at the Auchan roundabout in Redessan. Jacques Neveu

A tricolor outcome

At the end of three loops starting from Bellegarde, the peloton put on a show. On the route of the first 55-kilometre loop, the passage of the 147 riders in the village of Aramon was expected. Here, many of them, cyclists or not, braved the mistral to secure a prime spot at the side of the road. This is particularly the case for Patrick, Yves, Jean-Marie and Jean, amateur members of the Cyclo Club d’Aramon who were able to see the day’s breakaway, made up of four riders, take the lead with a nice lead.

The four riders making up the day’s breakaway in Aramon. Olivier Salvador

Read also: Replay. Étoile de Bessèges: Frenchman Paul Magnier wins sprint in Bellegarde

Finally, a little over 3 hours 30 minutes and 159 kilometers later, this first stage ended with a sprint victory for the young 20-year-old Frenchman Paul Magnier (Soudal – Quick-Step). Now, it's time for the second stage between Domessargues and Marguerittes, where the hills promise to spice up the race. The race starts this Thursday, February 6 at 12:10 p.m.