The Ariégeoise is already celebrating its 28th edition. Created in 1995, it ranks among the top 10 French cyclosportives that never cease to evolve. As evidence, the proposed circuits for the Ariégeoises and the Mountagnoles have always been either different or included sectors never used before.

This year is no exception, offering an unprecedented finish at the Ax 3 Domaines station at an altitude of 1400 m. It will be a finale worthy of the greatest tours, featuring “Col de Pailhères, Ax-Les-Thermes, Ax 3 Domaines.” I recall the greatest champions raising their arms while crossing the finish line with times around 23 minutes, a finish line that will be identical for the Ariégeoise 2024 as that of the “Tour de France 2013.”

This year, we are not proposing XXL circuits, especially for the Ariégeoise, as we have not found the necessary volunteers to cover a 200 km route. Indeed, volunteers play a major role in organizing an event like ours, and I can never thank them enough. Finding volunteers for thankless and challenging positions will be the challenge for all associations in the coming years.

There is an incalculable number of participants who thank them throughout the route, and I express my sincere gratitude.

The temporary abandonment of XXL formats gives rise to a new race, La Rapaillou, which is a format between the Passéjade and the Mountagnole, with its finish at Ax 3 Domaines.

For participants in the Passéjade, as soon as they arrive in Ax-Les-Thermes, they can use the cable cars for free to reach Ax 3 Domaines and enjoy the atmosphere, the meal, and the award ceremonies. This year, we are focusing our efforts on activities around the Ariégeoise and the Ariégeoise VTT with the 2nd edition of Foll’Ariégeoise on Friday, June 28, closing the exhibitors’ village. We are enhancing the animation on the road and also at the finish, especially for children and companions who can discover the Ax 3 Domaines station.

Feel free to listen to the Ariégeoise radio on Friday and Saturday; many interesting topics will be discussed, especially women’s cycling, which has been requested for 2 years but for which our journalists did not have sufficient information. On race day, live onboard cameras will allow you to immerse yourself in the sensations experienced by cyclists. You can also follow them on our live tracking.

A truly wonderful experience, you will say!

But it doesn’t stop there because the next day, Sunday, June 30, we kick off the 3rd edition of the Ariégeoise VTT with its 4 circuits, landscapes, atmosphere, radio, smiles, and beers at the finish.

The Ariégeoise VTT has become a reference mountain biking event in Occitanie. A dedicated group of volunteers organizes it masterfully because they are passionate. They want you to have the best experience around Ax-Les-Thermes for this year. The icing on the cake! Regardless of the circuit, upon arriving at Ax-Les-Thermes, you will have the option to take the ski lifts for free to reach Ax 3 Domaines and embark on an 8 km descent between Ax 3 Domaines and Ax-Les-Thermes. A unique novelty in the organization of the Ariégeoise VTT.

In early July, Ariège can proudly claim to love cycling.

From June 29 to July 14, 2024, it’s the celebration of cycling in Ariège.

On June 28, 29, and 30, we look forward to seeing you at the Ariégeoise and the Ariégeoise VTT. On Thursdays 4, Fridays 5, Saturdays 6, and Sundays 7, every morning from 9 am to 12 pm, the Ariégeoise will accompany you on the respective climbs of Col de Pailhères, Col de Port, Plateau de Beille, Prat d’Albis, and provide refreshments at the summit. If you wish, you can be timed by registering for free with the Ariégeoise Permanente, and we can establish a ranking.

On Saturday, July 7, the timed ascent of Plateau de Beille will have a special flavor, a week before the “Tour de France” passes, and will be organized in collaboration with the department of Ariège.

We are currently studying what we will implement.

On July 14, the “Tour de France” will culminate in an apotheosis, closing these 15 days dedicated to cycling.

For cyclists on vacation in Ariège and for Ariège cyclists, we maintain the non-timed ascents of Plateau de Beille throughout the summer on July 18, 25, August 1, 8, and 14, 2024.

Get ready, set, see you this summer, and welcome to our home.

Patrice VIDAL

Président of Ariégeoise