L'Ornaise
The Norman cyclosportive starting from Argentan
About L'Ornaise
The great cyclosportive of Orne
Since its creation in 2021, L'Ornaise has established itself as the major cycling event in Orne and one of the benchmark cyclosportives in Normandy. Starting from Argentan, it offers amateur cyclists the chance to discover the rolling landscapes of the Norman bocage through varied routes, taking country roads, valleys, and hills of the Pays d'Argentan.
A two-day format, five routes for all levels
L'Ornaise takes place over a weekend, with a cycle tourism day on Saturday and the main cyclosportive event on Sunday:
- L'Ornaise (140 km, Sunday): the timed flagship event for experienced cyclosport riders, with 1,618 m of positive elevation gain and a minimum average speed of 25 km/h to be classified
- La Cycl'Orne (50, 80 or 100 km, Saturday): three untimed cycle tourism routes with no classification
- La Balad'Orne (35 km, Sunday): a family-friendly untimed route, open to all
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: race commissioners, a complete security system, marshals at main intersections, regular refreshment points every 20-25 km, assistance vehicles, and medical service along all routes. The event is limited to 1,000 registrations, all distances combined, to guarantee the quality of the organization and the safety of participants. Wearing an approved rigid helmet is mandatory on all routes.
Argentan, ideal starting city
Argentan, a sub-prefecture of Orne located in the heart of Normandy, offers a strategic starting point to explore the scenic riches of the department. The routes cross remarkable sites of the Pays d'Argentan, the Norman bocage, and the Orne valleys, offering cyclists exceptional panoramas.
A friendly welcome village
The welcome village is set up at the Hall du Champ de Foire in Argentan, where the start and finish of all events are located. It welcomes participants and their companions with a catering area, partner stands, a mechanical workshop for last-minute adjustments, and a festive atmosphere. The finish is a moment of sharing and conviviality where every finisher is celebrated.
L'Ornaise — edition 2026
6th edition of L'Ornaise, the Norman cyclosportive starting from Argentan, on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, 2026. Five routes from 35 to 140 km through the Ornais bocage, under the aegis of the French Cycling Federation.
6th edition on May 9 and 10, 2026
L'Ornaise returns for its 6th edition on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, 2026, with an unchanged two-day format, starting from the Hall du Champ de Foire in Argentan. The 2025 edition gathered 530 participants; for 2026, the capacity is set at 1,000 registrations, all distances combined.
The 2026 format
The weekend is structured around a cycling tourism day on Saturday and the main events on Sunday:
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 — La Cycl'Orne (free start between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM): three untimed routes of 50, 80, and 100 km
- Sunday, May 10, 2026 — L'Ornaise 140 km (start 8:30 AM): the timed cyclosportive event, 1,618 m of positive elevation gain, minimum average 25 km/h to be classified
- Sunday, May 10, 2026 — La Balad'Orne 35 km (start 9:30 AM): an untimed family route
Registrations
Registrations opened on October 10, 2025, on the official platform lornaise.fr (via njuko) or by paper form. Registration closes on May 5, 2026. Progressive fees for L'Ornaise 140 km (from 35 € to 48 € depending on the registration date and licensed/non-licensed status), fixed fee for La Cycl'Orne (10 € licensed / 15 € non-licensed, +5 € on site) and a single fee for La Balad'Orne (5 €).
Programme L'Ornaise 2026
Saturday, May 9, 2026 — La Cycl'Orne (cycling tourism)
- 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM — Free start from the Hall du Champ de Foire
- Three untimed routes with no ranking: 50 km, 80 km, 100 km
- Open to licensed and non-licensed participants, electric bikes allowed
Sunday, May 10, 2026 — Main Day
- 8:30 AM — Start of L'Ornaise 140 km from the Hall du Champ de Foire (timed cyclosportive event, elevation gain +1,618 m / -1,619 m, minimum average 25 km/h to be classified)
- 9:30 AM — Start of La Balad'Orne 35 km from the Hall du Champ de Foire (untimed family ride)
Support
All routes benefit from careful signage, marshals at main intersections, refreshments every 20-25 km, assistance vehicles, and a medical service. Wearing an approved helmet is mandatory; aero bars are prohibited on L'Ornaise 140 km.
Highlights L'Ornaise 2026
- 6th edition on Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, 2026
- 5 routes: 35, 50, 80, 100, and 140 km
- Start and finish at the Hall du Champ de Foire in Argentan
- Capacity limited to 1,000 participants (530 registered in 2025)
- Event under the aegis of the French Cycling Federation
Prices L'Ornaise 2026
Practical information — L'Ornaise
Practical Information
Registration
Registrations are open online on the official website lornaise.fr (njuko platform) or via a paper form. The number of places is limited to 1,000 participants across all distances. The earlier you register, the more advantageous the price. A medical certificate of no contraindication to competitive cycling, less than one year old, or a valid FFC license is mandatory for the L'Ornaise cyclosportive route.
Access to the start village
The start and finish are at the Hall du Champ de Foire in Argentan (61200).
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). Parking lots are 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 Hall du Champ de Foire is accessible on foot from the station (approx. 10-15 minutes).
Bib number collection
Bib numbers can be collected at the Hall du Champ de Foire in Argentan, generally the evening before (Saturday afternoon) and on the morning of each race. Please bring identification, your license or medical certificate, and parental authorization for minors.
Refreshment points
Refreshment stations are set up every 20 to 25 km along all routes, offering water, drinks, dried fruits, energy bars, and savory snacks. It is recommended to carry at least two water bottles at the start.
Equipment and safety
Wearing an approved rigid helmet is mandatory on all routes. Handlebar extensions (triathlon bars) are prohibited. Electric bikes are prohibited on L'Ornaise 140 km but allowed on La Cycl'Orne and La Balad'Orne. The circuits are marked and secured by marshals at main intersections, with assistance vehicles and medical service. A sweep vehicle closes the race on each distance; on L'Ornaise, the minimum average speed to be classified is 25 km/h.
L'Ornaise Village
The welcome village offers a catering area, partner stands, a mechanical workshop, changing rooms, and a festive atmosphere to welcome finishers.
Contact
Official website: lornaise.fr
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +33 7 88 16 74 92
Organizer: Comité d'Organisation L'Ornaise, 10 rue des Flandres, 61200 Argentan
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Where does it take place — L'Ornaise
Hall du Champ de Foire
10 rue des Flandres, 61200 Argentan