Les Copains-Cyfac
The #1 cycling event in Auvergne, in the heart of Livradois-Forez
About Les Copains-Cyfac
Les Copains-Cyfac: The Passion for Cycling in the Heart of Auvergne
Since 1988, Les Copains-Cyfac has brought together cycling enthusiasts every summer, starting from Ambert, in Livradois-Forez. Organized by the Union Cycliste Ambert Auvergne (UC2A), this event has become the #1 cycling event in Auvergne and ranks among the French top 10 cyclosportives. Over 3,000 participants start each year to ride the hilly roads of Puy-de-Dôme.
A Multi-Event Format for All Levels
Les Copains-Cyfac offers a unique format in France with several complementary events spread over several days:
- L'Ultr'Arverne: An ultra-distance race of 560 or 775 km to be completed in 82 hours, for the most seasoned cyclists
- Objectif Auvergne: A 487 km tour over 4 days
- Objectif Puy de Dôme: 346 km over 3 days
- Objectif Livradois-Forez: 212 km over 2 days
- Le Chrono de Charade: A time trial on the legendary Charade automobile circuit
- La Classique: A traditional cyclosportive with routes of 45, 81, 107, or 131 km
37 Editions of Cycling Passion
In 2025, Les Copains-Cyfac celebrated its 37th edition with 3,120 participants. For this renewed edition, UC2A, chaired by Mathieu Debarges, redesigned the event with 10 new routes to offer participants an even more memorable experience. The finish of La Classique was notably moved to the summit of the Col de Chougoirand after 36 years in Ambert.
Livradois-Forez: An Exceptional Playground
The roads of Livradois-Forez offer an ideal playground for cycling: legendary passes, deep forests, volcanoes, and breathtaking landscapes. The routes cross emblematic sites of Auvergne, from the Charade circuit to the Puy de Dôme, passing through the Forez mountains. The diversity of terrains—from gentle valleys to demanding climbs—allows every cyclist to find a route suited to their abilities.
Conviviality, Safety, and Entertainment
Beyond athletic performance, Les Copains-Cyfac emphasizes conviviality. The event offers a pasta party, an exhibitors' village, massage services, secure bike parking, activities for children, and a festive atmosphere that has made this cycling gathering renowned.
Les Copains-Cyfac — edition 2026
38th edition of Les Copains, from July 1st to 4th, 2026, starting from Ambert. Auvergne's number 1 cycling event returns with its emblematic races in the heart of Livradois-Forez: the itinerant Objectif Puy de Dôme and Objectif Forez, the time trial at the Charade circuit velodrome, and the La Classique cyclosportive. Registrations open on cyclolescopains.fr.
38th edition — July 1st to 4th, 2026
Les Copains returns for its 38th edition from Wednesday, July 1st to Saturday, July 4th, 2026, in the heart of Livradois-Forez, starting from Ambert (Puy-de-Dôme). This edition is supported by a new title partner, Hydroxydase, alongside the Union Cycliste Ambert Auvergne (UC2A), which has organized the event since 1988.
Four days of events follow one another: the itinerant routes Objectif Puy de Dôme (3 stages) and Objectif Forez (2 stages), the time trial at the Charade circuit velodrome, and the La Classique cyclosportive on Saturday, which concludes the event starting from Ambert.
As every year, the event combines sporting performance and conviviality, with an exhibitors' village, catering, and entertainment. Registrations are open on the official website cyclolescopains.fr (opening in November of the previous year).
Programme Les Copains-Cyfac 2026
Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
- Start of the itinerant routes Objectif Puy de Dôme (3-stage itinerary)
- Start of the itinerant routes Objectif Forez (2-stage itinerary)
Thursday, July 2nd, 2026
- Time trial at the Charade circuit velodrome
- La Récré des Petits Copains — youth activity reserved for schoolchildren (children aged 9 to 11): cycle tourism, workshops, bike games, and road safety
Saturday, July 4th, 2026
- La Classique Les Copains — cyclosportive starting from Ambert, 4 routes to choose from:
- 121 km (3,160 m elevation gain)
- 114 km (2,130 m elevation gain)
- 87 km (1,730 m elevation gain)
- 51 km (1,070 m elevation gain)
Program established according to the official website (cyclolescopains.fr) and cyclosportive calendars at the time of verification (May 2026). Precise start times for each event are to be confirmed on the official website.
Highlights Les Copains-Cyfac 2026
- Dates: July 1st to 4th, 2026
- 38th edition, number 1 cycling event in Auvergne
- La Classique on Saturday, July 4th: 4 routes (51, 87, 114 and 121 km)
- Itinerant Objectif Puy de Dôme and Objectif Forez
- Time trial at the Charade circuit velodrome
- Departure from Ambert, in the heart of Livradois-Forez
Prices Les Copains-Cyfac 2026
Practical information — Les Copains-Cyfac
Practical Information
Access
By car: Ambert is accessible via the D906 from Thiers or the D996 from Clermont-Ferrand. Ambert leisure area for the start village.
Registration
Online registration at cyclolescopains.fr. Registration opens in November of the previous year.
Contact
Union Cycliste Ambert Auvergne (UC2A), Maison du Vélo, 274 esplanade Robert-Lacroix, 63600 Ambert. Tel: 04 73 82 60 44.
On-site Services
Pasta party, exhibitors' village, catering, massages, secure bike parking, children's activities.
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Where does it take place — Les Copains-Cyfac
Zone de loisirs d'Ambert - Maison du Vélo
274 esplanade Robert-Lacroix, 63600 Ambert