Arnaud De Lie defended his determination to stay within the Étoile de Bessèges regardless of issues about protection automobiles at the street and the verdict through one of the most greatest WorldTour staff to give up the race.
Soudal-QuickStep, Pink Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, Decathlon AG2R Los angeles Mondiale, EF Schooling-EasyPost, Ineos Grenadiers and Uno-X Mobility all refused to race on all the way through level 3 on Friday.
“The safety of our riders and staff is our top priority,” EF Schooling-EasyPost posted to social media.
The UCI showed they have got opened an investigation into automobiles at the race direction all the way through level 2 and three however stated measures are being taken to keep away from a repetition of the issues. The rest phases of the Étoile de Bessèges are anticipated to head forward all the way through the weekend.
De Lie emerged from the chaos and confusion to win the rain-soaked 3rd level to Bessèges. A lot of his teammates deserted after a long-neutralised sector and dialogue about protection, however he survived after which out-powered French rival Arnaud Démare (Arkéa-B&B Accommodations).
“It was a dilemma but I chose to continue and it paid off,” De Lie instructed L’Equipe tv.
He published extra about what took place when the riders stopped and mentioned with the race organisers and the UCI officers about protection.
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“I initially got into the car to warm up. Over the radio, we heard that if we didn’t restart, it would be the end of the Étoile de Bessèges for good. That really hit me,” he stated by the use of his Lotto staff.
“Rider safety comes first, absolutely. A car on the course is unacceptable but at the same time, races like these can only continue to exist because of the riders. It’s thanks to these organizers that we have the opportunity to live our passion.”
Whilst maximum of his teammates deserted the race and rode again to the staff bus, De Lie and Baptiste Veistroffer raced on. Cofidis went at the assault a lot of occasions however De Lie waited and was hoping for a dash end.
“It was a dilemma for everyone, but in the end, I didn’t overthink it and just kept going. At first, we were about 20 riders, but eventually, around 60 continued,” he stated, with reference to the overall depend of 78 riders finishing level 3.
“I hope I made the right choice. I also did it out of respect for the organizers, they have an incredibly tough job. And I won, in this weather, which I love, after such a crazy day. It felt a bit heroic. I’m really happy with this victory.”
