Our Lady of Cyclists, the chapel of Labastide d’Armagnac
will be in the spotlight on July 4, 2023 during the 4th stage of the Tour de France between Dax and Nogaro
, It is indeed on the roads of the Landes at kilometer 93 that the intermediate sprint of this stage will be judged in front of the chapel where more than 800 cyclists’ jerseys are displayed, including big names in the peloton such as Hinault, Bobet, Indurain or Anquetil . The runners are expected between 3:20 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. depending on the average of the race.
The big loop has already made other passages in front of this building (1984, 1995, 2000 and 2017). There was even a departure in 1989 towards Pau.
Our Lady of Cyclists in Labastide d’Armagnac
It was Father Joseph Massie, parish priest of Créon d’Armagnac, who was behind Notre Dame des Cyclistes, this chapel on the site of Géou in the town of Labastide d’Armagnac. Passionate about cycling, the abbot has cycled 18 times to Santiago de Compostela, 12 to Rome and 4 to Fatima. It was while walking along the shores of Lake Como, in 1959, that he discovered a small Italian chapel dedicated to cyclists, “the Madonna del Ghisallo”. He decides to create a similar sanctuary in France at Labastide d’Armagnac (40). To do so, he must obtain authorization from the diocese and the pope. After steps with the ecclesiastical authorities and the support of Jacques Goddet, director of the Tour de France, he finally received the approval of Pope John XXIII. The chapel was inaugurated on May 18, 1959, with the presence of great cycling champions of the time.
© Radio France
–
Frederic Fleurot
Since then, many famous cyclists have offered their jerseys. The chapel currently has more than 800 hanging on the walls. It has become a symbolic place for runners from all over the world. It’s’Association of Friends of Notre Dame des Cycliste
s manages this place and welcomes visitors. The reputation of this sanctuary has spread and Notre Dame des Cyclistes maintains links with other chapels dedicated to cyclists in other countries (Italy, Belgium).
Many cyclists, known all over the world, have left their jerseys in this national sanctuary. The building exhibits the tunics of Darrigade, Poulidor, Anquetil, Bobet, Hinault, Merckx, Lemond, Van Impe, Indurain and many others. This chapel even hosted the wedding of Luis Ocaňa, The Spanish runner had taken up residence in the Landes department.
Notre Dame des Cyclistes will of course be honored by the cameras of France Télévisions during the passage of the runners on July 4, but also on Sunday July 2 with the live broadcast of the mass as part of the ” lord’s day
“.
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