The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is investigating two separate incidents at the French Class 1 stage race, l’Étoile de Bessèges – Tour du Gard. Both incidents – during the second stage on Thursday 6 February and the third stage the following day – involved a motor vehicle unconnected with the event on the race route.
Measures are being taken to avoid a repetition of the problems that occurred on these stages, although some teams have elected to withdraw from the race. The UCI will continue to investigate thoroughly into the issues with the road closures, and take the necessary action bearing in mind that organisers are subject to the table of sanctions in article 2.12.011 of the UCI Regulations.
The UCI emphasises that it takes the matter of rider security extremely seriously, and has also taken note of the concerns raised by SafeR, the structure dedicated to rider safety in men’s and women’s professional road cycling.