Étoile de Bessège Cycling Race

A legendary sporting event in the Gard area, this stage cycling race was created in 1971 by Roland Fangille. The annual race includes four start-line stages and a time trial. The Destination Pays d’Uzès Pont du Gard proudly welcomes the race which passes through its towns every year.

2025 edition coming soon!

The history of the race

In 1971, former cyclist Roland Fangille decided to create a cycling race based on three themes: performance, proximity and legacy. The Étoile de Bessèges-Tour du Gard was born!

The five-stage race follows a route through some of the Gard area’s most beautiful landscapes.
Roland Fangille wanted to link two of his passions: cycling and the Gard area!

Follow this cycling race to watch stunning sporting performances while travelling thorough our beautiful area. It’s idyllic for nature lovers. The race meanders from the Camargue to the Cevennes, passing by legendary sites such as the Pont du Gard and the Gardon Gorges. Spectators revel in the the superb panoramas that provide the backdrop to this sports event!

The first edition of the Étoile de Bessèges cycling race in 1971 welcomed famous French cyclist Raymond Poulidor. Fifty years later, the race is constantly innovating, which wouldn’t be possible without the team of volunteers. It continues to be a resounding success every year.

It is the first important European cycling race in the racing calendar.

Solidarity in cycling and sports

The Étoile de Bessèges doesn’t stop there: It also includes a cycling and sports event open to amateurs aged 18 and over. The aim is to encourage cycling while raising awareness and promoting health and well-being issues.

It’s a chance to test your sporting performance or simply challenge yourself – alone or with friends!

Focus on sustainability

Cycling is a soft and green mode of transport. Since 2020, the organisers of the Étoile de Bessèges aim to contribute to the UN’s sustainable development goals via the event.
The goal? Make the Étoile de Bessèges the benchmark for environmentally friendly and carbon-neutral cycling races in 2023.

Organisers plan to develop several carbon offset projects and adopt an approach integrating responsible consumption and zero waste. Spectators are invited to actively participate in this more sustainable and responsible transition.

The theme of preservation and promotion of our natural heritage has always underpinned the Étoile de Bessèges cycling race.