French farmer protests force cancellation of Étoile de Bessèges opener

A farmer pulls waste to block the RN 19 near in Vesoul, eastern France, on January 25, 2024. French farmers continued their actions on January 25, 2024, and are eagerly awaiting a response from the government to their request for "immediate" aid worth several hundred million euros. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)
A farmer dumps waste to block the RN 19 near in Vesoul, eastern France, on January 25, 2024. French farmers continued their actions on January 25, 2024, and are eagerly awaiting a response from the government to their request for "immediate" aid worth several hundred million euros (Image credit: Getty Images)

Organisers of the Étoile de Bessèges have announced the cancellation of the opening stage that was due to take place on Wednesday.

According to the announcement, the local government requested the stage not be held due to "the current social context of the department".

Laura Weislo
Managing Editor

Laura Weislo has been with Cyclingnews since 2006 after making a switch from a career in science. As Managing Editor, she coordinates coverage for North American events and global news. As former elite-level road racer who dabbled in cyclo-cross and track, Laura has a passion for all three disciplines. When not working she likes to go camping and explore lesser traveled roads, paths and gravel tracks. Laura specialises in covering doping, anti-doping, UCI governance and performing data analysis.