Harrogate cyclists fly the flag in twin town Luchon

Ten Harrogate cyclists have flown the flag for the town in the French Pyrenees, taking on the spectacular La Lapébie cyclosportive in Harrogate’s twin town of Bagnères-de-Luchon.

Around 600 cyclists gathered in Luchon for a mass start at 9am on Sunday, September 13, before heading into the mountains to tackle some of the famous roads and climbs of the Pyrenees.

The Harrogate contingent was brought together by Dennis Richards of Harrogate International Partnerships, which also provided financial support towards the trip.

The ten riders came from across Harrogate’s cycling community, including Harrogate Nova, Harrogate Tri Club, Prologue Junior Racing Team and The Contrarians of Wheel Easy.

Riders could choose between two challenging timed routes. Eth Camino covered 105km with 2,227 metres of climbing, finishing back in Luchon, while the full Eth Gran Camin covered 121km with 3,380 metres of ascent, culminating in a summit finish at Superbagnères.

The routes took riders over the Col des Ares, Col de Menté and Col du Portillon, through spectacular Pyrenean scenery and briefly across the border into Spain.

Conditions added considerably to the challenge, with riders recording temperatures of up to 36C on parts of the course. Competitors were also subject to strict cutoff times which had to be met to remain within the official event.

For those tackling Eth Gran Camin, the final challenge was the long ascent from Luchon to Superbagnères.

Harrogate rider Emma Dooley was one of only nine women to complete the full route, reaching the summit after 121km and 3,380 metres of climbing.

Superbagnères is steeped in cycling history, having hosted the finish of Stage 14 of the 2025 Tour de France.

La Lapébie itself also reflects the area’s rich cycling heritage, carrying the name of the celebrated French cycling family which included 1937 Tour de France winner Roger Lapébie.

The event was a particularly fitting way to celebrate the relationship between Harrogate and Luchon.

The two towns have been twinned for 73 years, sharing not only a spa heritage but strong connections with the outdoors, sport, health and wellbeing.

The Harrogate cyclists also received wonderful hospitality throughout their stay and had the opportunity to experience Luchon both on and off the bike.

Rob Beagley, who completed the event alongside his son James, 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.”

The visit was further supported by Harrogate businesses Verity Frearson, Hornbeam Park Developments and Endless, whose generous financial contributions helped make the trip possible.

For the ten Harrogate riders, the weekend was about much more than kilometres, mountain passes and finishing times.

It was a celebration of cycling, friendship and a 73-year relationship between two towns — and a memorable opportunity to represent Harrogate on some of the most famous cycling roads in France.