Lapierre’s 80th birthday: Team Picnic PostNL is riding a special bike today

The anniversary model utilises the sixth generation of the Xelius DRS frameset, which has already been tried and tested in WorldTour racing. Team Picnic PostNL will be riding this special edition on France’s national holiday during the tenth stage of the 2026 Tour de France ride. The date was deliberately chosen to highlight the brand’s French roots; it was founded by Gaston Lapierre in Dijon in 1946.

The frame is made from UD Factory Lab Carbon and has a bare weight of 740 grams. According to the manufacturer, the 3D Tubular Technology is designed to provide greater comfort. The manufacturer states that aerodynamics have improved by 15 per cent compared with the predecessor, the Xelius SL3.

Special livery for the Tour de France

The Kinetic Dust finish features particles scattered across the frame. The density of the particles increases in areas subject to heavy stress, such as the bottom bracket, the aero fork and the junction between the seat stays and the top tube. According to Lapierre, the rearward scattering of the particles represents forward movement.

Three colours define the design. Dark blue represents the brand identity and symbolises the calm before the struggle. Turquoise marks the moment when pain turns into drive. Champagne represents personal satisfaction after the achievement.

Development since 1946

Gaston Lapierre founded the company in Dijon in 1946 as a small family business. In the 1980s, the company produced utility bicycles such as the ‘La Poste’ model for the French postal service. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the focus shifted to racing technology.

Lapierre developed its patented FPS full-suspension technology for off-road use. The brand was one of the first manufacturers to launch e-mountain bikes. Around the turn of the millennium, Lapierre unveiled the first full-carbon road bike frames, which were soon being used in international races.

The Xelius model was launched in 2010. The development team in Burgundy has been continuously refining the model ever since. The sixth generation forms the basis for the anniversary model.

So today, keep an eye out for the riders from Team Picnic PostNL – and you might even catch a glimpse of the specially painted bike.