Several top teams on Friday pulled out of the Etoile de Besseges cycling race in France citing safety concerns over traffic management on the course for a second straight day.

The peloton dismounted just after midday when a vehicle appeared on a roundabout.

Several teams disagreed with the resumption of the race and returned directly to their buses.

Teams Protest Over Safety Concerns

"Our team is one of the several that have decided to retire from today's stage due to several incidents over motor vehicles being allowed onto the race course," the Soudal Quick-Step Pro Cycling Team said.

"We find this unacceptable and decided not to rejoin the stage as we prioritize the safety of our riders and staff."

Soudal's French rider Paul Magnier had been leading the five-day race around Besseges in southern France.

The Ineos, Lidl-Trek, Uno-X, and EF Education teams also ceased their participation.

UCI Investigates Road Safety Failures

A similar incident took place on Thursday, provoking an accident that forced Belgian race favorite Maxim Van Gils of Bora-Red Bull to retire with a right hip and right wrist injury.

Cycling's governing body, the UCI, said it was investigating both incidents.

"Measures are being taken to avoid a repetition of the problems that occurred on these stages," read a statement.

"The UCI will continue to investigate thoroughly into the issues with the road closures and take the necessary action, bearing in mind that organizers are subject to... sanctions."

"The UCI emphasizes that it takes the matter of rider security ext