Harrogate cyclists take on Pyrenees with French twin town

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Ten cyclists have taken on the challenge of cycling through the French Pyrenees, taking part in the event alongside Harrogate’s French twin town.

On September 13, around 600 cyclists met in Bagnères-de-Luchon, Harrogate’s twin town, for a mass before heading into the mountains to tackle some of the famous roads and climbs of the Pyrenees.

The 10 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 routes: Eth Camin 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.

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.

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

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.

Rob Beagley, who completed the event alongside his son James, said: