Ten cyclists from Harrogate are in our twin town of Bagnères de Luchon for the annual La Lapébie Cyclosportif event, which takes place on Sunday 13 September 2026 …
… and they have VIP support from Harrogate’s Mayor Cllr Viv Poskitt – herself a keen cyclist!
Excitement is building in Bagnères de Luchon!
The sun is hot, and the sky is incredibly blue.
The mountains overlooking the town are spectacular.
The town’s cafes, bars and restaurants are full.
The racing shirts have been presented by HIP to the team.
The Harrogate Mayor Cllr Viv Poskitt has been welcomed and shown round the town by the Mayor of Bagnères de Luchon M Sébastien Denard.
On Saturday the town was buzzing as it also was also staging the Foire de Luchon, an agricultural fair and farming highlight in the Haute-Garonne. showcasing livestock and the practice of transhumance (seasonal livestock migration to and from the high pastures). With a sheep drive through the town after the livestock show, and plenty of time for exchanging ideas, plus a convivial lunch!
What a wonderful trip – and good luck for Sunday!
BACKGROUND:
The ten 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.
HIP is most 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.
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. There are three routes, the longest being 121km and 3,382 metres of ascent. Around 600 cyclists are expected to take part.
