Ten 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!
This event, La Lapébie, 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 to choose from: 60km, 105km and 121 km in the Pyrenees around Luchon, and around 600 cyclists are expected to take part this year.
La Lapébie takes its name from Roger Lapébie who won the Tour de France in 1937, part of a renouned cycling dynasty in the local area.
The longest 121 km route involves a huge 3,382 metres of ascent, and this year 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 Harrogate NOVA, Harrogate Tri Club, Prologue Junior Racing Team, and the Contrarians of Wheel Easy. They include two 18 year olds, Magnus Denwood and James Beagley, and their fathers Tom and Rob, plus Gary and Emma Dooley, John Dunn, Michael Harrison, Paddy Craig and Will Bellamy.
For HIP, the coordinating the Harrogate representation at the event was handled by Dennis Richards, a trustee and former Chair of HIP.
HIP is particularly grateful to three local businesses who have, along with HIP itself, generously provided sponsorship for the cycling team. These are
- 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 Sébastien Denard, to come to Harrogate.
Best wishes for a great trip everyone!
Photographs courtesy of La Lapébie 2026
