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France 04 Feb – 08 Feb 2026 Class 2.1 – Stages – Class 1
Website www.etoiledebesseges.com
Data powered by FirstCycling.com
The 2026 Étoile de Bessèges – Tour du Gard officially begins today, Wednesday, February 4, 2026. This 56th edition is a landmark year for the race as it seeks “redemption through safety” following organizational challenges in the previous year.
2026 Race Overview
The race consists of five stages covering a total of 640.3 km across the Gard region. Notably, the 2026 route excludes the famous Mont Bouquet climb, making the final time trial in Alès even more critical for the General Classification.
The 2026 Stages
| Stage | Date | Route | Distance | Key Feature |
| 1 | Feb 4 | Bellegarde → Bellegarde | 150.1 km | Punchy 10% uphill sprint |
| 2 | Feb 5 | Saint-Gilles → Domessargues | 162.8 km | Rolling hills |
| 3 | Feb 6 | Bessèges → Bessèges | 162.3 km | Most mountainous (2,034m D+) |
| 4 | Feb 7 | Saint-Christol-lez-Alès → Vauvert | 154.8 km | Sprinter’s opportunity |
| 5 | Feb 8 | Alès → L’Ermitage | 10.3 km | Final ITT (Steep hilltop finish) |
Today’s Action: Stage 1 (Bellegarde)
Stage 1 is currently underway. The finish in Bellegarde is famous for its narrow, steep final kilometer, which often creates small time gaps between the leaders.
- Favorites for today: Paul Lapeira (Decathlon AG2R), Lukas Kubis (Unibet Rose Rockets), and Dylan Groenewegen (Unibet Rose Rockets).
- Safety Measures: Organizers have significantly increased the security detail this year, deploying 30 motorcycles to protect the peloton and manage sensitive points on the course.
Key Contenders for the Overall Win
With the defending champion Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) leading the charge, several riders are aiming for the “Star” jersey:
- Ewen Costiou (Arkéa-B&B Hotels): Entering as a co-leader and strong GC prospect.
- Dylan Teuns (Cofidis): A veteran who excels on the hilly terrain of the Gard.
- Paul Lapeira (Decathlon AG2R): After a breakout 2024-2025, he is a top favorite for the punchier stages.
- Alexandre Delettre (TotalEnergies): Always aggressive in French season-openers.
Broadcasting Note: In France, the race is being televised live on La Chaîne L’Équipe from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM CET daily.
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
Results powered by FirstCycling.com
The Étoile de Bessèges – Tour du Gard is a cornerstone of the professional cycling calendar, traditionally serving as the opening stage race of the French season. Held in early February in the Gard department of southern France, it is known for its mistral winds, rolling hills, and a decisive final time trial.
1. Origins and Evolution
The race was born from the passion of one man, Roland Fangille, a former cyclist and local figure in the town of Bessèges.
- 1971: The One-Day Start: The race was first held as a single-day event called the Grand Prix de Bessèges. The inaugural winner was French rider Jean-Luc Molinéris.
- 1974: Transition to Stage Race: Due to its popularity, it expanded into a multi-day stage race format.
- UCI Europe Tour: In 2005, it was integrated into the UCI Europe Tour as a 2.1 category race.
- Survival: Despite financial challenges that have seen many other French “February races” disappear (like the Tour Méditerranéen), the “Star” (Étoile) has remained a constant fixture for over 50 years.
2. Race Characteristics
The race typically consists of five stages. Because it happens so early in the year, the weather often plays a massive role—cold temperatures and crosswinds (the Mistral) frequently split the peloton.
- The Finish in Bellegarde: Stage 1 traditionally finishes with a sharp, punchy climb in Bellegarde, favoring “puncheurs.”
- The Mont Bouquet: In recent years, the climb of Le Mont Bouquet (4.6 km at 9.1%) has been introduced as the “Queen Stage,” often deciding the general classification before the final day.
- The Alès Time Trial: The race almost always concludes with an individual time trial in the city of Alès, which famously finishes with a steep climb up to the Sanctuaire de l’Ermitage.
3. Notable Winners and Records
The race has a prestigious roll of honor, featuring legends and modern stars:
| Era | Notable Winners |
| Early Years | Jean-Luc Molinéris (first 2-time winner), Jan Raas, Dietrich Thurau. |
| 1980s – 90s | Eddy Planckaert, Adrie van der Poel, Armand de Las Cuevas. |
| Modern Era | Thomas Voeckler (2011), Tim Wellens (2021), Neilson Powless (2023). |
| Most Wins | Jo Planckaert and Jean-Luc Molinéris (2 titles each). |
4. Current Context: 2026 Edition
As of Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the 56th edition of the Étoile de Bessèges is currently underway.
- Dates: February 4–8, 2026.
- Defending Champion: Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels), who won the 2025 edition with a dominant performance.
- 2026 Contenders: The field this year features riders like Paul Lapeira, Dylan Groenewegen, and Ewen Costiou, with the race starting today in Bellegarde.
Did you know? The race is called the “Étoile” (Star) because the original format involved stages that radiated out from the central town of Bessèges like the points of a star.
