The Etoile de Bessèges cycling race faced significant disruption as several leading teams, including Soudal-QuickStep and Ineos Grenadiers, withdrew after dangerous conditions arose. This included public vehicles entering the race course, causing serious safety concerns among participants. Following a chaotic start to stage 3, where riders encountered a car on a roundabout, teams decided to prioritize rider safety over competition. Despite protests, some teams continued racing, but the potential for further withdrawals loomed as the stage was neutralised after incidents during both stages 2 and 3.
"The safety of our riders and staff is of paramount importance," said the British team Ineos Grenadiers. "Following multiple incidents of public vehicles entering the race course, our riders, together with other teams, have decided not to complete today's stage at #EDB25."
"We find this unacceptable and decided not to rejoin the stage as we prioritise the safety of our rides and staff," Soudal-QuickStep said in a statement.
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