La Lapébie: A souvenir movie; feedback and coverage; thanks; 2027; and a roadsign that says it all!

Ten cyclists from Harrogate went to our twin town of Bagnères de Luchon in the Pyrenees, for the annual La Lapébie Cyclosportif event on Sunday 13 September 2026, and they had VIP support from Harrogate’s Mayor Cllr Viv Poskitt – herself a keen cyclist!

A great 2 minute video!

This is the official professionally produced “After Movie” published by the organisers.

Amazing footage of the event and the dramatic landscape around Luchon.

Harrogate Mayor Viv Poskitt even appears – by the podium towards the end.

FEEDBACK FROM THE TEAM

It was great to hear that the cyclists had said they received wonderful hospitality throughout their stay, and had the opportunity to experience Luchon both on and off the bike.

They said the weekend was about much more than kilometres, mountain passes and finishing times – it was a celebration of cycling, friendship and the twinning relationship, and an opportunity to represent Harrogate on some of the most famous cycling roads in France.

Team member Rob Beagley said:

“It’s been a fantastic weekend. Luchon is a beautiful place, and it’s an honour to have flown the flag for our wonderful town of Harrogate”

LOCAL MEDIA COVERAGE

The event has generated local interest back in Harrogate.

Harrogate Advertiser https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/your-world/harrogate-cyclists-fly-the-flag-in-twin-town-luchon-9067156

Harrogate Informer https://www.harrogate-news.co.uk/2026/09/15/harrogate-cyclists-luchon-france-twinning-2026/

Stray Ferret https://thestrayferret.co.uk/news/community/harrogate-cyclists-take-on-pyrenees-with-french-twin-town

Your Harrogate https://www.yourharrogate.co.uk/local-news/harrogate/harrogate-cyclists-conquer-pyrenees-challenge-in-twin-town

With thanks to the organisations concerned.

A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE INVOLVED !

Firstly, thanks must go to the ten cyclists from Harrogate NOVA, Harrogate Tri Club, Prologue Junior Racing Team, and the Contrarians of Wheel Easy.

Our team was 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.

HIP is most grateful to three local businesses who have, along with HIP itself, so generously provided sponsorship for the cycling team. These were:

Chris Bentley at Hornbeam Park Developments,
Aidan Robson of Endless, and
Matthew Stamford at Verity Frearson.

HIP also needs to record huge thanks to the Mayor of Harrogate, Cllr Viv Poskitt, who really flew the flag for Harrogate, getting fully involved, meeting contacts and gaining an insight into what Luchon and its environs have to offer, as well as supporting the cycling team. She travelled (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.

And thanks to language student Elena Dickson for her fantastic support and help during the trip.

Also, many thanks to the Mayor of Luchon M Sébastien Denard and his team, as well as Mme Claude Coret and all the French who were involved – for their hospitality, support, and superb organisation of this great event.

Photographs courtesy of Dennis Richards, Elena Dickson and La Lapébie.

Film credits – La Lapébie and its production company and sponsors.

And thanks to the cycling team and the Mayor for their feedback.

A DATE FOR THE DIARY ??

Next year’s date has just been announced.

*** 12 September 2027 ***