The official UCI statement about the events of the last 24 hours at the Étoile de Bessèges - Tour du Gard arrives as the night shadows have fallen. Here it is:

"The International Cycling Union (UCI) is investigating two separate incidents that occurred during the French Class 1 stage race, the Étoile de Bessèges - Tour du Gard. Both incidents, during the second stage on Thursday, February 6th, and the third stage the following day, involved a motor vehicle not connected to the event on the race course.

Measures have been taken to prevent the problems encountered in these stages, although some teams have chosen to withdraw from the race. The UCI will continue to thoroughly investigate the issues with road closures and will take the necessary measures, keeping in mind that organizers are subject to the sanctions table in article 2.12.011 of the UCI Regulations.

The UCI emphasizes that it takes the safety of cyclists very seriously and has also noted the concerns raised by SafeR, the structure dedicated to safety for male and female professional road cyclists".