the essential
To test your fitness while hiking or competing, go to Cologne (December 8), Beaucaire (December 15), Polastron (January 12) and Mirande (January 19). Let's set off on the paths of the “Challenge de la Lomagne 2024-2025” and follow in the footsteps of the history of Gers mountain biking.
“We achieved something really nice…” We found the trace of Hervé Desriac, pioneer of mountain biking in the Gers
DDM – U.D.
In 1996, did the “Tour de l’Astarac” trace the real first path of mountain biking in the department? He claims nothing and yet the epic “Astarac MTB Tour” is perhaps at the origin of the phenomenon of “big” hikes “at our place”. We met Hervé Desriac, 69, in his house in L'Isle-de-Noé, where his wife Nathalie went to unearth photo albums and press archives “at the back of the garage”. Meeting with this visionary organizer who brought together a handful of volunteers, young people and parents from his club, in the adventure.
How did you come up with the idea of creating this Tour?
It was a way to make the club known, to raise funds for our operations in order, in particular, to pay for equipment for young people. In 1996, the first “Tour” took place in Mirande, Montesquiou, Cazaux-d'Anglès, Vic-Fezensac and L'Isle-de-Noé, where we took the peloton through legendary places like the ” bull riding”… It was mountain biking paradise here!
Was the popular success immediate?
No follow-up. The first year (1996), we had around 50 registered. Afterwards, over the 5 years, we can finally count on an average of 250 mountain bikers, competing or hiking. With a record of 320 participants in 1997! We came from far away to take part in this MTB Tour which introduced people to our slightly out-of-the-way region. Our routes were famous and were up to 50 km long!
DDM – U.D.
We can imagine the amount of work for preparing the circuits…
Yes, we had to clear a lot of paths that we used with the club all year round. In particular, we had traced the “descent of death”… We did not take the Tour there, it was so impressive.
Finally, why did you stop organizing this Tour in 2000?
I had the feeling that it was becoming too “big”, especially with regard to the sidelines of the race, the accompanying people, etc. And in terms of regulations, it was more and more complicated. It was better to stop the experiment. But I think we achieved something really good.
Savès, Astarac, Lomagne… The paths of history
DDM – U.D.
Over the past 25 years, how has mass mountain biking developed across the Gers? Answer in three places. We're talking to you about a time that those under 20 cannot know… It was in the last century. The winter terrain was already soft but the mountain bikes of that time remained for the most part very rigid, without suspension.
From 1996, therefore, the “Tour de l'Astarac” from L'Isle-de-Noé launched the fashion for massive gatherings of rural pedalers. From the pen of our late correspondent “Gaby” Briscadieu, press cuttings from the time evoked the exploits of the Portal brothers, Henrick Sobinski, Christophe Dupouey, Fabien Pédemanaud and the presence of hundreds of country cyclists too, lovers of the great outdoors.
Three musketeers named Michel
In their wake, in 1999, the “Sentiers Mauvezinois” and the Vélo-Club de Mauvezin also offered their hike. Then, in 2000, three musketeers named Michel created another event: the “Challenge de la Lomagne”. Followed by their clubs, Mr. Garas (Fleurance), Gaudon (Cologne) and Pérusin (Mauvezin) invented this new staged event. The Portal brothers (including the late Nicolas) were even its godfathers.
Initially punctuated by three hikes, the challenge then moved to four meetings in 2003 through another Michel, Fabrega, from ASPTT Auch. Attendance peaks at 400 registered and new sites (Pessan, Ordan-Larroque, Fleurance, La Romieu, etc.) have since perpetuated the success story of the great Gers mountain bike loop. Today, we are following the path of the history of the Gers green bike thus traced.
“The challenge doubles the population of the village…” An event that energizes the territories
Through three questions, club managers reveal the positive impact of the challenge on the territories.
DDM – U.D.
Why is your club organizing the “Challenge de la Lomagne” stage?
Nicolas Larrieu (Cologne, Sunday December 8): “We have been organizing “Lomagne” for 25 years, we are among the founders of the challenge.”
Laurent Kurowski (Beaucaire, Sunday December 15): “In 2012, we took over from the “Fleuranselle” (Fleurance), encouraged by Michel Garas and his team, to perpetuate this “showcase” event for mountain biking in the South-West .”
Adrien Arrivets (Polastron, Sunday January 12, 2025 with Cyclosport Lombez-Samatan) and Pierre Dessaillys (Mirande, Sunday January 19): “This is the second year that we have organized a round so that the “Lomagne” finds four races and thus perpetuates itself.”
What has this brought to your club and your community?
N. Larrieu: “The season is punctuated by preparation for the challenge (clearing brush, reflection on the route, requests for authorization, preparation of young runners, etc.). This allows us to make our bastide and the club (camping area) known -car, fast food service on arrival, etc.).”
L. Kuromwki: “The challenge is very popular with the young people of our mountain bike school, the inhabitants of Beaucaire are involved voluntarily: organizing the “Lomagne” is a source of pride for them. The village is in full swing and the population doubles every day of the race.”
A. Arrivets: “The CSLS has been in existence for two years and we are showing the dynamism of the club with its family atmosphere with this race. We too are doubling the number of village residents on “Lomagne” Sunday! “
P. Dessaillys: “In fact, we are not a club but a group of friends and we have mobilized other associations in Mirande.”
What is the profile of your stage?
N. Larrieu: “The circuit is made up of two technical parts around Lake Saint-Cricq and in private woods, all connected by paths running through the hillsides of Gers.”
L. Kurowski: “We give pride of place to piloting with undoubtedly the most technical stage and a difference in altitude equivalent to the other courses in Lomagne.”
A. Arrivets: “Our circuit is renewed this year to go towards Montiron and its 22% slope. Undergrowth, rolling sections on white paths and jumps will benefit riders on a less technical route.”
P. Dessaillys: “The main loop is 29 km. It is quite fast if there is not too much mud. We will find dirt roads, grassy strips and some beautiful hills!”
Registrations, prices… All the practical information you need to know before getting on your mountain bike
DDM – U.D.
Inscriptions : inscriptionsenligne.jimdofree.com
Prices (for each event): 6 euros for 11-16 year olds; 14 euros for the adult competition (17 years and over); 28 euros for the tandem competition; 7 euros for the hike (30 km).
Schedules : from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., removal of plates; at 9:30 a.m., start of competitions followed by hikes. On arrival, bike wash, shower and refueling; at 12:15 p.m., awards ceremony.
Details: Gravel and cyclo-cross not authorized, VAE only for hiking. For non-racing licensees: certificate of no contraindication to competitive mountain biking required. For hiking, no certificate required.
Contacts : Cologne (06 19 34 73), Beaucaire (06 03 73 27 13), Polastron (06 14 46 44 67), Mirande (06 11 85 31 47).
Find out everything: challengedelalomagne.veloclub32.net
