A true sporting reference in Gard, this stage cycling race was created in 1971 by Roland Fangille. Four online stages and a time trial take place each year. Each year the Destination Pays d'Uzès Pont du Gard is in the spotlight with the crossing of its communes.
See you in 2025!
WHAT IS THE STORY OF THIS CYCLING RACE?
In 1971, Roland Fangille, a former cyclist, decided to create a cycling race around three pillars: performance, proximity, and heritage. The Star of Bessèges-Tour du Gard was born ! It takes place in many stages and follows a route which shows some of the most beautiful Gard landscapes.
Roland Fangille's desire was to combine two of his passions: cycling and the Gard!
Thus, following this cycling race allows you to attend great sporting performances while traveling in our beautiful destination. Nature lovers are served! The route winds from the Camargue to the Cévennes, passing by emblematic sites such as Gard's Bridge et the Gardon Gorges. Superb panoramas await the spectators of this sporting race!
During its first edition, in 1971, the Star of Bessèges welcomes cyclist Raymond Poulidor. Fifty years later, the race has always reinvented itself, notably thanks to its team of volunteers, and it continues to be a success every year. Today she is the first European cycling race reference in the calendar.
THE SOLIDARY CYCLOSPORTIVE
The Star of Bessèges doesn’t stop there! She also organizes a solidarity cyclo-sport open to amateurs, from 18 years old. The aim is to raise awareness and contribute to health and well-being issues and to encourage cycling. This is the opportunity to test your sporting performance or simply to challenge yourself, whether alone or with friends!
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AT THE HEART OF CONCERNS
The practice of bike is a gentle and environmentally friendly means of mobility. Thus, the organizers of the Étoile de Bessèges have aimed since 2020 to contribute through this event to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations.
The objective? Make the Etoile de Bessèges the eco-responsible cycling race reference, and neutral from a carbon point of view in 2023. For this, the event plans to develop several carbon compensation projects as well as to include its organization in a process of responsible consumption and zero waste. Spectators are also invited to actively participate in this more sustainable and responsible transition.
This preservation of natural heritage as well as its enhancement have always been at the heart of the concerns of Étoile de Bessèges. This is also why, beyond the sporting interest of the race, its founder Roland Fangille wanted to highlight natural sites in Gard. Thus, school activities are also organized before the race in order to raise awareness among young people about the protection of Gard's biodiversity.
The Star of Bessèges – Tour du Gard, it's the opportunity to participate in or attend a cycling race that highlights the natural heritage of our destination while committing to its protection!
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