The first French stage race of the season, Etoile de Bèsseges, returns for a varied course which should suit all-rounders.
Etoile de Bèssges Tour du Gard is back for it’s 53rd edition, with the five-day stage race offering up a mix of terrain, from a hillier route suiting the puncheurs on stage one, to a Time Trial on stage five. The Time Trial, as well as the climb to Le Mont Bouquet on stage four, should prove decisive in the General Classification.
Talking about his expectations for the race, Sep Vanmarke wants to build some race fitness, and produce a result.
“I’m looking forward to starting my first stage race of the year, Etoile de Bèsseges will be good to build some racing form, and see how my legs are feeling after the winter break. We have a strong team for every stage and for GC, so we want to make it a successful week.”
Having just come from a strong showing at the GP Marseillaise, Sports Director Steve Bauer is keen for the team to continue their development, as well as show the form they’ve built on over winter:
“Our team here began the 2023 season with a solid race in GP Marseillaise. We are excepting this group to continue building their early season racing fitness in Etoile de Bèsseges. This short stage race has all the elements of difficulty mixed in; wind, selective road stages, a mountain top finish and a TT. It’s built for an all-rounder in great shape and our guys need to be sharp every day. We are aiming for a top result.”
Etoile de Bèsseges starts on January 1st with a punchy route designed for attacking riders, and finishes on the January 5th.
Israel — Premier Tech at Etoile de Bèssges Tour du Gard
Riders:
Guillaume Boivin, Hugo Houle, Krists Neilands, Dylan Teuns, Sep Vanmarke, Oded Kogut, Nadav Raisberg
Sports Director:
Steve Bauer
Dror Pekatch
