The Gard, stage of the Tour de France
For the third year in a row, the Tour de France has stopped in the department in 2021. It was on July 8 at around 3:17 pm, after 65 km of racing (out of 159 in total) during the 12th stage that started from Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux (Drôme), that the riders entered the department. The peloton first reached Barjac before continuing through Saint-Jean-de-Maruéjols-et-Avéjan, Rochegude, Tharaux (with the climb of the Belvedere hill, a category 3 pass), Méjannes-le-Clap, Lussan, Vallérargues, Uzès, Seynes and Saint-Just-et-Vacquières.
Étoile de Bessèges
Next February, the Étoile de Bessèges will celebrate its 52nd anniversary. This longevity testifies to the attachment and passion aroused by the Étoile. In 52 years, this popular race has come a long way and has acquired a national and even international dimension! Today it is a major event: every year, the Étoile de Bessèges symbolises the reunion of the cycling world and the resumption of competitions, it takes place in the wake of the Grand Prix de la Marseillaise, it is the first stage race on the European calendar. A major event for the department, which hosts 130 to 160 riders, i.e. 17 to 20 professional teams, Pro Tour, Pro continental and Continental, their caravan and all cycling enthusiasts for 5 days over the 500 km that line the territory.
A convivial event to which the Departmental Council is proud to contribute, especially as it generates more than €250,000 in economic benefits for the region.
Information: www.etoiledebesseges.comThe International Women's Cycling Tour of the Ardèche and the Gard
From 8 to 14 September 2021 took place the 19th edition of the TCFIA (687 km and 7 stages). The finish of the 1st stage of the event was held in Barjac on September 8 and the women riders returned to the Gard for a 6th stage 100% from the Gard between Goudargues and Anduze on September 13. The distance covered by the women's teams, from 5 continents, during this 2021 edition was 821.57 km.
Information : www.tcfia.comChallenge gardois VTT and other events
Throughout the year, more than 30 events are supported by the Departmental Council (cycling, cyclo-touring, mountain biking, handisport), including the races registered in the Gard Mountain Bike Challenge.
Since its creation, the Gard Mountain Bike Challenge aims to bring together all the people who practice mountain biking in Gard, but also beyond the limits of the department, in a series of mountain bike competitions.
The variety of organizations and their eco-responsible values contribute to enhance the Gard territory. This project relies on the participation of all, as much the practitioners as the various organizing clubs and institutions, town halls, communities and departmental council. All are invested and mobilized to the best of their ability, and previous editions have highlighted
the diversity and enthusiasm of all, the strong participation is proof
.Labelled Gard Pleine Nature, this Challenge reminds us of the importance of knowing how to take full advantage of nature without distorting it. It is based on the respect of requirements in terms of waste recovery, transmission of values, accessibility to the greatest number. A guarantee of responsibility which is in line with the commitments of the Departmental Council to meet the major climatic, social and environmental challenges of our society.
Information: www.challengegardoisvtt.frTriathlon des Gorges
Born from the desire to discover the gorges in a way other than by car, this triathlon links the territory of Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche to that of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc. Over 3 days, 3 distances and 3 events await the competitors:
a swimming event in the Ardèche at Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche
, a cycling course on the roads of the Gard and the route of the Gorges
, a running event including two laps in the streets of Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche and Aiguèze with the passage of a bridge of boats
.The next edition will take place from 7 to 9 July 2022.
Information : https://triathlondesgorges.com/Support for young talent Label Terre de Jeux 2024
The "Land of the Games 2024" label aims to promote all French local authorities, from the commune to the region, as well as those involved in the sports movement, who are actively working to promote the practice of sport, convinced that sport can change lives.
As part of this Olympic adventure since 2018, and through the "Objectif 2024: Jeunes Talents Sportifs" (Objective 2024: Young Sports Talents) scheme, the Gard Department supports 5 young sportsmen and women from the Gard, competitors planning to take part in the 2024 Olympic Games, and rising stars in their respective disciplines.La Vuelta
The Vuelta, otherwise known as the Tour of Spain, is a men's cycling competition that crosses Spain and regularly offers a departure from abroad. This was notably the case in 2017, with a departure from the Gard region in the city of Nîmes.
