Etoile de Bessèges (2.1), France

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The race:

The Etoile de Bessèges, held in early February, is generally the first stage race of the European season.

It is held in southern France, around, of course, the city of Bessèges.

The race is the brainchild of Fangille Roland, in 1971 the president of the Bessèges cycling union.

The first 3 editions of the race, from 1971 to 1973, were 1-day races.

In 1974 it expanded to 5 stages, but was judged on points rather than time. The General Classification was determined by points through 1978. The 3-stage 1979 edition as well as subsequent years used elapsed time.

The GC leader is awarded a Coral/Salmon colored jersey.

It is currently (2020 and later) a five-stage race