The 2026 edition of the Étoile de Bessèges – Tour du Gard kicked off with an electrifying Stage 1, a 150km loop from Bellegarde back to Bellegarde in southern France. What started as a relatively straightforward day in the saddle turned into a nail-biting finale, complete with heroic breakaways, emotional backstories, and a last-gasp sprint on a punishing uphill finish. Broadcast highlights from TNT Sports Cycling captured the drama of the final kilometers, showcasing why this race is a staple on the early-season calendar.
A Breakaway Built for Drama
The stage saw an early breakaway form, initially featuring five riders before whittling down to four: Nils Eekhoff (likely the “Neils Ibisol” in commentary), Jakob Hendriks (possibly “Jako Hendinan”), Victor Vercouillie (transcribed variably as “Victor Ferui/Fikuy/Fui/Figu/Fikui”), and Léandre Huc (“Leandra Hook”). The group built a maximum lead of around five minutes, with the peloton content to let them dangle ahead for much of the day.
Team TotalEnergies (referred to as “Catholon CNA CGM” in the transcript, likely a phonetic mix-up) did the bulk of the chasing, protecting their sprinter Paul Lapeira (“Paul Laa”). Uno-X Mobility (“Ult Rose rockets”) also contributed, eyeing a strong result for Lukáš Kubiš (“Lucas Kubish”). As the kilometers ticked down, the break shed riders, leaving Vercouillie and Huc to battle on as a duo. Vercouillie, a 26-year-old Belgian from Team Flanders-Baloise, secured maximum points in the King of the Mountains classification, guaranteeing him a podium spot regardless of the finish.
But the real heart of the story lay with Vercouillie. Racing on World Cancer Day (February 4), he dedicated his effort to his father, Christo, who is battling a severe cancer diagnosis. Commentary highlighted the emotional stakes: “His dad is fighting cancer at the moment. He really wants to do something for his dad… Knowing that on World Cancer Day, I’m rooting for Victor.” Vercouillie poured everything into the escape, fighting for what would have been his first professional victory.
The Peloton Closes In
With the gap hovering around 30 seconds in the closing stages, the peloton’s superior numbers began to tell. Teams like Pulsey Visit Malta and others surged forward, reeling in the leaders on the technical roads leading to the finale. As the riders approached the final kilometer, the gradient ramped up to a brutal 12% max, turning the finish into a grueling test of legs and will.
Vercouillie and Huc entered the climb with a slender 15-second advantage, but the peloton was in hot pursuit. Huc cracked first, leaving Vercouillie alone at the front. The Belgian dug deep, his legs screaming on the steepest sections, but the chase group—led by the bright pink jerseys of Uno-X Mobility—closed relentlessly. In a heartbreaking twist, Vercouillie was swallowed up just meters from the line, his dream victory slipping away.
Crabbe’s Late Surge Seals the Win
Yet, in a poetic turn for Team Flanders-Baloise, the disappointment was short-lived. As the reduced peloton barreled toward the finish, 23-year-old Belgian Tom Crabbe launched a perfectly timed attack. Carrying momentum through the final corner, he overtook Kubiš on the inside line and powered to the line, securing his first professional win and the team’s first UCI victory since August 2024.
Kubiš finished a close second for Uno-X Mobility, with Clément Izquierdo of Nice Métropole Côte d’Azur rounding out the podium in third. Crabbe’s triumph not only marked a breakthrough for the promising rider but also provided a team-wide uplift after Vercouillie’s near-miss.
Post-race, the emotions ran high. Vercouillie’s effort, though unrewarded with the stage win, resonated deeply, especially given the personal context. As one commentator noted, “He’s giving everything to give his dad his very first professional win.” While that milestone eluded him, the stage underscored the raw humanity that makes cycling so compelling.
Looking Ahead
With Crabbe donning the leader’s jersey, Stage 2 promises more action in the rolling terrain of the Gard region. The Étoile de Bessèges continues to build toward its climax, blending tactical racing with moments of pure inspiration. Fans can catch more highlights on TNT Sports Cycling, where the broadcast captured this “WHAT A RACE” finale in all its glory.
For full results and updates, visit official race sites or follow along on platforms like ProCyclingStats. Cycling’s early season is off to a fiery start—stay tuned for more!
