Add beautiful,
it's in our nature
On June 14th, the GNFY Lourdes Tourmalet Cyclo race
Held worldwide, GFNY or "Gran Fondo New York" races are long-distance cycling events, often with significant elevation gain. Whether timed or not, GFNYs are renowned for their quality and incredibly friendly atmosphere.
In 2026, five dates are scheduled in France, including June 14th in Lourdes-Tourmalet, and two magnificent routes on the sacred lands of cycling!
The Long Route: 157km / 4000m+ via the Aspin and Tourmalet passes.
The runners leave Lourdes for 60km where several small passes between 600m and 800m follow one another, on the foothills of the Pyrenees.
At 75 km, things get serious with the climb of the Col d'Aspin, frequently used by the Tour de France: 12km long, 800m of elevation gain, a maximum gradient of 10% and a summit at 1493m.
Immediately after the descent from the Col d'Aspin, it climbs again to the second jewel of cycling: the Col du Tourmalet, at 2115m high.
The climb from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, on the west side of the Col, is 17.1 km long and gains 1267 m with an average gradient of 7.4% and a maximum of 11%.
From the pass, there's a 34km descent followed by 13km of gentle downhill sections leading back to Lourdes. Beware of headwinds here; it's best to find a group to ride with for this last part of the route.
The long course is a competition: finishers are ranked by time and category, with an awards ceremony and podium presentation. In addition, the top 10% in each age group qualify for the Priority Start area at every GFNY global event.
The Medium Route: 99km / 2000m+ elevation gain, centered on the Col du Tourmalet
The start is given at the same time as the runners of the long course, and the first 30 kilometers are common.
From Bagnères-de-Bigorre, the medium route goes up the Adour valley, to reach directly the foot of the sacred monster: the Col du Tourmalet.
As with the long route, the ascent to the pass is on the west side, from Sainte-Marie-de-Campan, and the end of the race is identical until the return to Lourdes.
Here, there is no competition: the runners know their time, but are not ranked.
For more information: https://lourdes.gfny.com/
How about booking a stay at Chalet La Source to come and enjoy this wonderful event?
