Le Pyrénées Bike Festival
Adrenaline, speed and thrills galore! In Loudenvielle, the Mountain Bike World Cup transforms the valley into a life-size playground for the world’s best riders.
The 2026 Pyrenees Bike Festival:
Nestled between lakes and mountain peaks, Loudenvielle (Hautes-Pyrénées) becomes, for a weekend, the mountain biking capital of the world. From 28 to 31 May 2026, the Pyrenees Bike Festival returns for its 7th edition, which promises to be exceptional. The event, which is entirely free, brings together enthusiasts, families, professional riders and curious onlookers in an atmosphere that is both spectacular and friendly.
This festival was launched just a few years ago in a valley where there were previously no mountain bike trails. Today, thanks to the region’s commitment, it boasts a network of over 500 km of trails, a world-class bike park and a meticulously organised event that attracts the world’s best riders. This resounding success is also down to the local club, Luchon Louron Cyclisme, and its 350 passionate volunteers.
Beyond the top-level competitions (notably the World Cup events), a truly collective experience awaits the 50,000 visitors expected to attend. The exhibitors’ village, with its 80 brands spread over 20,000 m², will showcase the latest cycling innovations. The atmosphere will be provided by trials shows, the Sambalek bandas, concerts, food trucks and non-stop entertainment.
Photo credit: Marie Batista
A programme for all ages
Children are well catered for with a free Kids’ Zone, open all weekend, featuring a pump track, beginner’s modules and age-appropriate races. There are also plenty of activities on offer for everyone: mountain bike demonstrations, outdoor yoga sessions, film screenings, DJ sets, festive evenings and concerts.
The Skyvall cable car provides easy access to the Peyragudes resort from Loudenvielle, offering convenient access to the start areas for the downhill and enduro events. The DH track is accessible from Loudenvielle by following the signposted footpath from the SLYVALL cable car departure station.
Two disciplines will be contested: enduro (EDR), combining sections covered by bike or via ski lifts with timed special stages, and downhill (DH), a time trial on ultra-technical tracks featuring over 5,400 metres of vertical drop. Each run promises speed, commitment and spectacle.
The downhill track, designed to international standards, will put the riders’ nerves to the test, with a varied course, rocky sections, challenging jumps and banked turns. The enduro event, meanwhile, will make the most of the rich local terrain, taking in forests, mountain pastures and technical sections.
Stands, giant screens, a VIP area and television broadcasts (Eurosport, L’Équipe 21) will allow everyone to get into the spirit of the competition. A major sporting event that has become a must-see on the global mountain biking calendar.
Photo credit: Marie Batista
Elites in pursuit of glory
Among the professionals, the standard looks set to be exceptional. Riders will have to tackle several timed stages spread across mountainous terrain, in a rally format that combines technical skill and endurance. No more shuttle buses – make way for a more gruelling race with nearly 1,500 metres of elevation gain to be conquered under their own steam.
Getting to Loudenvielle couldn’t be easier. From Toulouse, there are two options: via the A64 (toll road, 2 hours) or via the A-roads (2 hours 30 minutes). From Pau, the A64 takes you to the valley in 1 hour 45 minutes. Please consider carpooling to minimise the festival’s environmental impact.
By train, get off at Lannemezan station (Toulouse-Tarbes line). A bus runs to Arreau, with shuttle buses or taxis available to Loudenvielle. Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport is the nearest for air travellers. Public transport links are well organised and ensure a smooth journey, even without a private vehicle.
As for parking, everything has been arranged: free tarmac car parks are available at Génos-Armenteule (free shuttle), Peyragudes and Val Louron. Several fields have been converted into additional car parks (Pla Loudic, the sawmill, the Peyragudes roundabout, etc.). Only the VIP car park is subject to a charge.
From free car parks to shuttle buses from the station, everything has been designed to ensure a smooth arrival.
The entertainment is free and varied: trial shows, yoga, autograph sessions, mountain bike rides, concerts, DJ sets, screenings… The village also features 80 exhibitors, a chill zone and around ten food trucks for a bite to eat between shows. An information point will also be set up at the entrance to the site to guide visitors.
