La cyclo les copains 2022 ALFLa cyclo les copains 2022 ALF 2
©Cyclo les copains, an experience from Auvergne Absolue|© Quentin Desage

From 1st to 4th July 2026 Cycling The Buddies

Cyclo has been criss-crossing the roads of the Livradois-Forez region for over thirty years. And with great success. As a major gathering of cycling enthusiasts, it offers all types of riders the chance to find a route to suit them: time trial or rando, express or over several days, selective climbs. But the Cyclo leaves no-one by the wayside.

In the beginning, was cycling but above all friends 

The roads of the Livrad region are a real treat for cyclists. Between hills and valleys, woods and rivers, the landscapes reveal themselves. Here and there you’ll find panoramic views of forests and pastures: nature in all its glory. A godsend for families out walking. And a great place for enthusiasts of all abilities to play and enjoy. Cycling starts, of course, with friends and bikes. They all share a desire to climb passes, milestones and landscapes. In short, they want a feast for the calves and the eyes. The first edition of their adventure looks like a celebration of cycling. The programme is copious: Col du Béal, des Pradeaux, des Supeyres… eight in all, covering 200 kilometres of tarmac. A lot of sweat and cramps. But there were also moments of happiness, riding with friends. The year was 1988, near Ambert. Cyclo was born, and born well.

TEASER 2023
TEASER 2023

Cycling ever higher

Each year, participants discover new routes designed by the organising team to criss-cross the roads of the Livradois-Forez Regional Nature Park.

A climb up the Puy-de-Dôme with its 4km 12% gradient, a 35km ascent of the Montravel site, a series of climbs over the Chansert and Béal passes… There are surprises every year.

Its effectiveness allows it to push its limits a little further. You have to look for something new, something unprecedented, and mix it with the expected, the classic. Fortunately, the Livradois-Forez region offers so many variations. But La Cyclo doesn’t shy away from escapades beyond the Limagne, much to the delight of purists.

The tests Cyclo Les Copains

ULTR'ARVERNE
  • to be found in June 2026
    • Start: Thursday 4 June t at 7.00 am, esplanade Robert-Lacroix, Ambert
    • Duration: 82 hours to complete the entire route
    • Total distance: 774; 560 or 330 km
    • Altitude gain: 15284; 10407 or 6183 m
      10 407 m

    Sign up now!

The classic Les Copains
  • to be found in July 2026

    You can choose between several routes, which will be decided en route on the day:

    • 125 km
    • 107 km
    • 81 km
    • 63 km
    • 65 km

    Start on Saturday 4 July at 8.00 am, Esplanade Robert Lacroix, Ambert

    Total ascent: between 860 and 3,272m

    Sign up now!

The Charade Velodrome Chrono
  • to be found in July 2026
    • Start at the Charade circuit on Thursday 2 July at 6.00 pm
    • Total distance: 4 km
    • Difference in altitude: 89 m

    ⚠️ Event reserved for the first 200 registrants.

    Register now!

The itinerants
  • Objective Puy-de-Dôme - to be found in July 2026

    3-stage road race

    Stage 1: AMBERT – CIRCUIT DE CHARADE

    • Leaving from Ambert (esplanade Robert-Lacroix), on Thursday 2 July between 8.00 and 9.00 am
    • 124 km
    • D+ 2,420 m

    Stage 2: PÉAGE DU PUY DE DÔME – BANNE D’ORDANCHE

    • Departure from your accommodation
    • 101 km
    • D+ 2420 m

    Stage 3: MONT DORE – AMBERT

    • Departure from your accommodation, recommended between 7.00 and 7.30 am
    • 121 km
    • D+ 1990 m

    Total distance: 346 km
    Total climb: 6,830 m

    Sign up now!

  • Objectif Forez - to be found in July 2026

    2-stage road race

    Stage 1:

    • Leaving Ambert (esplanade Robert-Lacroix) on Friday 3 July at 8.30 am.

    Stage 2:

    • Departure from your accommodation

    Total distance: 212 Km
    Ascent: 3,970 m

    Sign up now!

Accommodation and restaurants in Ambert

To make the most of this exceptional weekend, find accommodation and restaurants around the town of Ambert.