Car Causes Pile-Up in French Stage Race: Peloton Collision

A French cycling race faced a close call recently when a car drove onto the course and towards the riders. Just 17 kilometers before the finish line of stage two of the Étoile de Bessèges, a Mini Cooper appeared on the road moments before the peloton was set to pass by. Luckily, the riders saw the car and managed to brake to avoid a collision, allowing the driver to reverse off the course.

While the car itself didn’t cause a crash, the sudden braking of the peloton led to a small pile-up, resulting in several riders falling. One of the cyclists involved was Maxim Van Gils from Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, who had to withdraw from the race and seek medical attention at a hospital.

According to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe sports director Heinrich Haussler, the car’s presence created a chain reaction within the peloton, causing Van Gils to crash. Haussler mentioned the numerous cars and traffic along the race route, emphasizing the dangers faced by riders.

Despite the scare, the incident was quickly resolved, and the race continued. Søren Wærenskjold from Uno-X went on to win the stage in an exciting bunch sprint. As the race progresses, Paul Maginer from Soudal Quick-Step currently leads by eight seconds after winning the opening stage.

The incident at the Étoile de Bessèges reflects an ongoing safety challenge faced by race organizers and cyclists. Educating the public and drivers about the importance of respecting athletes on the road is crucial in preventing such incidents and ensuring the safety of riders.

Shortly after the incident, the UCI addressed the need for improved safety measures in road races through its SafeR initiative. Ensuring the smooth coordination of races and managing obstacles like cars entering the course remain key concerns for organizers. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by cyclists during races and highlights the importance of ensuring a safe environment for all participants.