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There was no winner of stage 2 of the Etoile de Bessèges on Thursday as a massive crash with 25km to go, which left one rider clinging to the side of a bridge, led the stage to be cancelled.
The incident left medical resources too stretched for the organisers to ensure safe conditions, and, after a long standstill, the decision was taken to fully neutralise the stage.
The crash occurred with 24km remaining on a stage that was igniting on a second successive day of crosswinds.
A small bridge made for a pinch point for a bunch that was full of tension, and a touch of wheels led to a huge pile-up.
Valentin Ferron (TotalEnergies) was launched to the wall of the bridge on the right-hand side of the road and almost fell over into the ravine on the other side. He was saved by his quick thinking and upper body strength, and was seen hanging by his arms before he hauled himself back onto the road.
The race support vehicles, including the medical car, were caught behind the crash and held up as the riders who avoided the crash pressed on ahead. For that reason, the organisers made the decision to neutralise the stage, calling all riders to a halt at the 22km-to-go mark.
A delay of more than 25 minutes ensued, giving riders a chance to regroup, brush themselves off and check for injuries, as well as the organisers to get everything else into place.
More to follow
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