A special celebration for 40 years of Unió Ciclista Campdevànol

Cycling in Ripollès is thriving. 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the local cycling club in Campdevànol, and the passage of the Tour de France on July 6. The local club is using the occasion to organize a series of activities before and after the race, linking its own history to the international event.

Founded in 1985, the club now counts around 120 members and continues to grow. Most members are somewhat older, but there is a clear effort to bring in younger riders through new initiatives such as a trial section and a dedicated track.

The club maintains a regular structure throughout the year. From February to November, members ride together on the road every Sunday, typically in groups of around 20 people. During winter, the focus shifts to mountain biking, while January remains a rest period. These weekly rides usually include a shared breakfast stop, which plays a central role in the social aspect of the group.

Several athletes linked to the club are active across disciplines. Among them are Abril Roma, Santi Vall, and Aina Sanchez in cycling, as well as Pau Roma and Guillem Coromima that are among the best trail-cyclists in the country.

To coincide with the Tour, the club has expanded its event calendar significantly this year. One of the key activities is a cyclotourism ride linking Amélie-les-Bains in France to Campdevànol, covering approximately 80–90 km, held in the fourth weekend of April. The main difficulty is the Coll d’Ares, a border climb that also serves as the main refreshment point. The route is designed to be accessible, without major technical challenges beyond the climb itself. Upon arrival in Campdevànol, participants are offered lunch and access to an exhibition that includes the Tour de France trophy and various items related to the race.

In addition, the club is organizing a local Trofeo in the village and continues to develop La Bandallica, a newer mountain bike event. The weekend following the Tour, they will also ride the route of stage 3 themselves, allowing members and participants to experience the same roads under non-competitive conditions.

These activities reflect the club’s ongoing role in the region, both in organizing events and maintaining a consistent riding culture. That is what the current president, David Ibañez, says. He follows a family connection, as his father was among the founders. “The arrival of the Tour de France on July 6 serves as a focal point, around which the club has structured its 40th anniversary program.”