Six cyclists from Harrogate are travelling to our twin town of Bagnères de Luchon for the annual La Lapébie Cyclosportif event – which takes place on Sunday 13 September 2026 …
… and they will have VIP support from Harrogate’s Mayor Cllr Viv Poskitt – herself a keen cyclist!
The event was first started in Luchon in 1988, and is recognised as a major and iconic road cycling event in the Pyrenees. There are three routes: 121 km, 105km and 60 km in the Pyrenees around Luchon, and around 500 cyclists are expected to take part this year.
The longest 121 km route involves a huge 3,382 metres of ascent, and concludes with the climb up to Superbagnères above the town, which itself formed a gruelling stage finish at the 2025 Tour de France. The Tour itself is a frequent visitor to Luchon, with a number of the famous ascents nearby and La Lapébie is able to take in legendary Tour de France mountain passes, such as the Col des Ares, the Col de Menté, and the Col du Portillon.
The cyclists are from Wheel Easy, NOVA and the local Tri-Club. They include 18 year olds, Magnus Denwood and James Beagley, and their fathers Tom and Rob, plus Emma Dooley and John Dunn.
HIP is most grateful to three local businesses who have provided sponsorship for the cycling team – Chris Bentley at Hornbeam Park Developments, Aidan Robson of Endless, and Matthew Stamford at Verity Frearson.
The Harrogate mayor, Cllr Viv Poskitt, is travelling (at her own expense) for a civic visit to Luchon from 11 to 14 September, with hopes for a reciprocal visit by the Mayor of Luchon, M Sebastien Denard, to come to Harrogate.
Best wishes for a great trip everyone!
Harrogate International Partnerships 