Juan Martinez, Mayor of Bellegarde: “The Etoile de Bessèges allows us to share the values ​​of sport, with a joyful nostalgia too”

Juan Martinez, maire de Bellegarde et président de la CCBTA. DR – DR

Le coup d'envoi de l'épreuve cycliste sera donné mercredi à Bellegarde. Une habitude pour cette commune du sud du Gard.

The start of the Etoile de Bessèges will be given on Wednesday in Bellegarde. A habit!

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I was elected in 2008 and I think we must have started in 2009. So this must be the sixteenth year that Bellegarde has hosted the Etoile de Bessèges! For a long time, it was the Beaucaire Terre d'Argence community of communes that took charge of this stage (in addition to the other partners, Editor's note) and we alternated the departure commune. For some time now, it is the commune that takes charge. The start and finish are therefore in Bellegarde.

You feel an expectation, each year, of the population ?

Of course! It's part of the winter entertainment program. It's become a must for us, a real event that the people of Bellegarde are attached to. And we have a lot of volunteers: 44 people are registered in the municipal reserve and are committed to the smooth running of the stage. It's a bit like if the Tour de France were to pass through Bellegarde.

Would you be tempted to have the Tour in Bellegarde one day ?

It's a bigger budget… That's why the Tour management generally approaches big cities. But one day why not…

Personally, do you have some memories of significant encounters on the Etoile ?

Yes, especially in the car that accompanied the runners to Eric Caritoux, Luc Leblanc or Claudio Chiapucci. We still remember meals with Raymond Poulidor… The Etoile allows you to go back to your childhood. It's really still in the collective imagination. It's an event that allows you to share the values ​​of sport and a joyful nostalgia.

See you on Wednesday, then ?

Yes! Last year, there were farmers' demonstrations and the first stage had been cancelled. Now, the weather should be nice, I hope there won't be too much wind for the runners and the volunteers. Volunteers to whom we must say thank you. The Etoile is also here thanks to them.