L'Ornaise
The Norman cyclosportive starting from Argentan
About L'Ornaise
L'Ornaise is a benchmark cyclosportive event in Normandy, organized every year in May, starting from Argentan in the Orne department. Created in 2021, this amateur road cycling race offers five loops ranging from 37 to 152 km, suitable for all levels, from leisurely cyclists to seasoned athletes. The event is organized under the aegis of the French Cycling Federation and welcomes up to 1,000 participants who will ride the rolling roads of the Orne bocage and the Norman countryside.
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The great cyclosportive of the Orne
Since its creation in 2021, L'Ornaise has quickly established itself as one of the major cycling events in Normandy. Starting from Argentan, this cyclosportive offers amateur cyclists the opportunity to discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Orne through varied and challenging routes, taking in the roads of the Norman bocage, the green valleys, and the hills of the Orne countryside.
Five routes for all levels
L'Ornaise offers a choice of five loops adapted to all cyclist profiles:
- L'Ornaise (152 km) : the main event for experienced cyclosportives, start at 8:30 AM
- La Cycl'Orne (102 km) : a challenging cycling tour route, start at 9:00 AM
- Le Haut-Argent (80 km) : an intermediate format
- Le P'tit Argent (55 km) : accessible to regular cyclists
- La Balad'Orne (37 km) : a family and discovery route, start at 9:15 AM
An event under the aegis of the FFC
Organized in accordance with the regulations of the French Cycling Federation (FFC), L'Ornaise benefits from professional supervision with race officials, a comprehensive safety system, regular refreshments, and careful marking of all routes. The event is limited to 1,000 registrations to ensure the quality of the organization and the safety of participants.
Argentan, ideal starting city
Argentan, a sub-prefecture of the Orne located in the heart of Normandy, offers a strategic starting point to explore the department's landscape riches. The routes pass through remarkable sites such as Suisse normande, the Orne valley, and the hills of the Pays d'Argentan, offering cyclists exceptional panoramas throughout the event.
A friendly welcome village
The L'Ornaise village, set up in the heart of Argentan, welcomes participants and their companions with a catering area, partner stands, a mechanical service area, and a festive atmosphere. The finish line is a moment of sharing and conviviality where every finisher is celebrated.
L'Ornaise — edition 2026
6th edition of L'Ornaise, the Norman cyclosportive. Five loops from 37 to 152 km starting from Argentan through the Orne bocage.
Highlights L'Ornaise 2026
- 6th edition on May 9th and 10th, 2026
- 5 routes: 37, 55, 80, 102, and 152 km
- Start from Argentan
Prices L'Ornaise 2026
Practical information — L'Ornaise
Practical information
Registration
Registration is open online on the official website lornaise.fr. The number of places is limited to 1,000 participants, all distances combined. It is strongly recommended to register early as places sell out quickly, especially for the longer distances. A medical certificate of non-contraindication to competitive cycling, dated less than a year ago, or a valid FFC license is mandatory for all distances.
Access to the start village
- By car: Argentan is accessible via the A88 from Caen (50 min) or Alençon (35 min). From Paris, take the A13 towards Caen then the A88 (approx. 2h30). Free parking is signposted near the start village. Carpooling is encouraged by the organizers.
- By train: Argentan SNCF station, served by the Paris-Granville and Caen-Le Mans lines. The start village is within walking distance of the station (about 10-15 minutes).
Bib collection
Bib collection takes place the evening before (Saturday) from 4 PM to 7 PM and on the morning of the race (Sunday) from 7 AM at the L'Ornaise village in Argentan. It is strongly recommended to collect your bib the day before to avoid morning stress. Bring an ID and the medical certificate if not provided during registration.
Refreshments
Refreshment stations are regularly set up on all routes, offering water, isotonic drinks, dried fruits, energy bars, and savory snacks. The distances between refreshments are about 20 to 25 km. However, it is recommended to carry at least two water bottles at the start.
Equipment and safety
The wearing of an approved helmet is mandatory on all routes. The circuits are carefully marked and secured by marshals at key intersections and support vehicles. A medical service is present on all routes. Each participant must have a charged mobile phone. A broom vehicle closes the race on each distance.
L'Ornaise Village
The welcome village offers a catering area, partner stands, a mechanical workshop for last-minute adjustments, changing rooms, and a festive atmosphere to welcome finishers.
Contact
Official website: lornaise.fr
Email: [email protected]
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach L'Ornaise at the best price.
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Where does it take place — L'Ornaise
Village départ L'Ornaise, Argentan
Centre-ville, 61200 Argentan