The clue is very much in the nickname – this mountain is steeped in cycling folklore and utterly dominates a relatively flat area, making it a beacon for all cycling sadists. I found the Bedoin side the hardest, probably as I always take hours to warm up. The views passing the Tom Simpson memorial: Less than a kilometre from the summit is the Col des Tempêtes (storm pass!) My older brother Steve (> 60 years) rode up all FOUR routes in one day a few years ago. The lone giant of Provence rears up out of the French landscape to a height of 1912m. Mont Ventoux from Bedoin Ride 21.5 kilometers gaining 1,610 meters at 7.5% average grade. By way of comparison, L'Alpe d'Huez is 13.8 km at an average gradient of 7.9%. We will be out for the Tour as it visits the Haute Savoie in July and will look out for you if we decide to watch near the top of the Joux Plane. You gain 1535 heightmeters, so the average gradient is 7.2 %. The Sault side is much, MUCH easier than the other two sides, And leaving it last ensured I could enjoy it thoroughly in full knowledge that I was going to succeed. Hello Will, thanks for your report and your very useful and inspiring web site. One of the “Big Four,” in our estimation, Mont Ventoux is on the same world renowned footing as Alpe d’Huez (although no climbs can match the fame of Alpe d’Huez), Tourmalet and Stelvio. It's amongst Europe's most popular holiday destinations in Europe, and with good reason. But, for what it’s worth, the official rules say: “the climb will be in the same day (between 0 and 24 hours), in the sequence and the date you prefer.”. In the middle of summer, it's best to climb early in the morning or late afternoon when it's cooler. Yesterday’s ride by Nairo Quintana on Mont Ventoux at Tour de la Provence saw him break the (unofficial) record for the climb as far as Chalet Reynard. Again, my advice is to enjoy and if your plan gets you three ascents within a 24 hour period then I say congratulations and consider yourself a club member. My favourite climb in the world (by a mile). This side can be divided into three parts: I felt better than hoped heading through the woods, gradually passing several riders. The Mont Ventoux via Bédoin is ranked number 1 of the Massif des Cèdres. One of the challenging climbs in the Alps. Personally, I like to stay in Avignon when I visit the area. An image capturing the beauty of Mont Ventoux, shot by Chris Auld in 2019. Anyone else have an opinion? Plenty of stretches well above 10%. Mont Ventoux from Malaucène is a climb in the region Provence & Riviera. Mont Ventoux (Bedoin) Adresse: Provence, Frankrig. We are all guys , bar one lady, in our 50s and 60s, from Ireland. If you want to climb the Mont Ventoux, you can find more information on how to train to climb the Mont Ventoux here. With 6 kilometres to go, at Chalet Reynard, the route joins the classic Bédoin route, and becomes the toughest part of this 3rd ascent. Hard work. However, it is known the world over for its relationship with the Tour de France, its history, and its ability to humble even the fittest rider. Details of all three sides of Mont Ventoux, Le Géant de Provence: Length: 21.5 kms Ascent: 1610 metres Congratulations on beating the challenge. I have a long weekend to do it but covet a Cingles membership. His Lotus Formula 3 car slid off the road and struck a tree." 2021 Tour de France includes two climbs of Mont Ventoux in stage 11 but will not finish on summit. Mont Ventoux is arguably the most famous and feared Tour de France climb and is justifiably on the Bucket List of any aspiring grimpeur! Myself and a few buddies did it on Wednesday. Mont Ventoux always has a decisive role in the Tour’s outcome, and that knowledge is intoxicating. That’s a 9.5km stretch, though the road continues to climb higher and travels more than 5km further to the famous summit. As this is a 24 hour period, we have a plan to start in Bedoin and overnight in Malaucene (via the top of course), start early the next day for Sault and finish in Bedoin before the 24 hour period expires. When did you start and what time did you finish? And very well done, Good job! A kind man in full eskimo gear, hood and all, kindly helped after taking a photo of me, where I was too exhausted to smile properly: Ventoux was the last big climb I did before my year long struggle with injury that ended this May. [2]. There is a 4th way possible by mountain bike, explained. Russia's Aleksandr Vlasov of Team Astana rides during the Mont Ventoux Denivele Challenge on August 6, 2020. Despite it being a sunny clear day in the region, I couldn’t see the summit due to fog, and the top was freezing and viewless. Mont Ventoux is epic. Log … We’re looking at the potential to do this next year. The maximum slope is 12%. If you want to climb the Mont Ventoux, you can find more information on how to train to climb the Mont Ventoux here. The Twenty Highest Paved Cycling Climbs in the Alps, The Twenty Highest Paved Cycling Climbs in France, Forty of the Highest Unpaved Cycling “Roads” in the Alps, 15 Great Cycling Climbs to Alpine Dams/Lakes, The Ten Highest Paved Cycling Climbs in Italy, The Ten Best Cycling Climbs from Lake Annecy, Cycling Mont Ventoux – Bedoin Side : Cycling Challenge, The Ventoux Night Session : Cycling Challenge, Mont Ventoux: A Fourth Way Up (By Mountain Bike). The course, up Mont Ventoux, starts from the village of Bédoin and rises 5,289 feet (1,612 m) for 13.4 miles (21.6 km),[1] to the observatory at the summit, for an average gradient of 7.4%. In the wind, I struggled to hold up my bike and get warm clothes on. Drive or take the train down the Rhône Valley, and there it is, on your left, perhaps 40 miles away, rising out of the plains as if it were the only mountain in the world. The Giant does not easily get tamed. The top of the ascent is located at 1896 meters above sea level. The top of the ascent is located at 1909 meters FULL SUMMARY. Tim. Passo dello Stelvio is a huge climb, a pass through the mountains, gaining just over 6000 feet … Mont Ventoux is one of the most famous cycling climbs there is. For me, I wasn’t sure I could do all three sides. Thinking of doing the Cingle the same way after… I did Malaucene 3 years ago. I just discovered your blog because I am in Cevennes right now doing a bike tour. Thankyou Will. I It's a brutal, relentless climb – from around Sainte Estève to Chalet Reynard, you'll ride at a gradient of around 9 … Mont Ventoux lives up to its name before you even take your first pedal stroke at the bottom of the climb. Mont Ventoux from Malaucène is a climb in the region Provence & Riviera. hide. Pingback: Mont Ventoux: A Fourth Way Up (By Mountain Bike), Pingback: Mont Ventoux – A More Detailed Look. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Pingback: 28 Great Outdoor Challenges – GUAGO, Your blog really inspired me to try the triple/Cingle which I did yesterday (23 August 2017). Like to do the Ventoux, but would love an estimate so I can schedule it into my day :) 30 comments. Challenging. Mont Ventoux from Bedoin. This led to a bizarre experience where occasionally i had an angled wind push, and occasionally the wind in my face. There are 3 possible routes to the summit, one a little easier than the other two. Or try cycling up to see the sunrise: Details here. Yesterday’s ride by Nairo Quintana on Mont Ventoux at Tour de la Provence saw him break the (unofficial) record for the climb as far as Chalet Reynard. Join us as we ride from Switzerland to Mont Ventoux, passing over some of Europe’s most breathtaking climbs in the Swiss and French Alps! However, Gorham to the auto road is only a couple percent grade, then the rest of the climb is at 12%. “ Mont Ventoux = Ven-Top”? During the lay-off In frustration, to avoid complete depression I worked-out at the gym and focused on losing some weight. Known as ‘the Giant of Provence’, Mont Ventoux, with its lunar landscape upper reaches, will have to be climbed twice on the same day, while the ski resort Tignes is also featured. But the climbs did catch up with me after Chalet Reynaud – let’s just say I didn’t post my best time. God asfalteret bakke for cyklister. Warm regards. We will start with the obvious one, ‘The Giant of Provence’. Finally, knowing that this is the final leg would give me a psychological boost … Your reflections are very welcome. For me? It was decision time. and the wind almost always seems scarily strong here. the next ten kilometres are consistently brutal. Prints are produced with a small white border which includes the logo of Chris Auld, and are printed onto Hahnemuhle Photo Rag. The figure for the average gradients per kilometre can be found in many books and websites on cycling. There’s never going to be an easy winner on its summit, and Ventoux … Louison Bobet climbing Mont Ventoux past the tree line in stage 11 of the 1955 Tour de France, which Bobet won. Famous for its barren landscape, unrelenting heat and often the wind!! In 1970: "Andre Willem of Belgium was killed June 20 in practice for the Mont Ventoux Hill Climb near Carpentras. With gradients between 7-10%, the 22km climb from Bédoin is one of cycling’s most talked about climbs. Ride 21.5 kilometers gaining 1,610 meters at 7.5% average grade. It's our comprehensive guide to the best routes up Ventoux and the best rides in the Luberon, Provence. We’d need to hire bikes out there and have hotel accommodation, so is there a ‘better’ one of the three to stay in? The challenge is for fun. The maximum slope is 12%. Not sure if this is within the spirit of the challenge, so would appreciate your comments. I snacked at the start of this side, and stopped for a coke at Mont Serein, and generally felt pretty good as I kept my effort slightly lower than my first ascent. Yes it really does have a really nasty middle where you have to grin and bear it. Cycling Mont Ventoux is an extraordinary experience, one alone worthy of a trip to France. The area around the Mont Ventoux is located in Provence. Glad I did. Mont Ventoux times two After a couple days spent in transition and without riding, Wade, myself and the tour group got to Nyons, just north of the mythic mountain that is Mont Ventoux. Triumph of the Will sounds a bit Leni Riefenstahl, but well done! This is the traditional Mont Ventoux challenge. (joking). Rather than sitting around doing nothing I figured I might as well go and climb Mont Ventoux, given it’s only 40km or so from where Wade and I are staying in Nyons. share. It was held on 6 August as a category 1.1 event on the 2020 UCI Europe Tour.. If you’re fit and used to climbing this is definitely a goer – and there’s a great feeling at the top when you also have a fast descent back to the warmth of Bedoin to look forward to!! The Mont Ventoux climb is 21.2 km long. It was utterly exhausting and I finished in the dark. . My main strategy was to eat and drink to excess all day to avoid the bonk. Plenty of stretches well above 10%. It's not the longest, it's not the steepest, nor is it the most beautiful. How To Ride Mont Ventoux Today Our favorite Aussie Lama Shane Miller has shared a trick to get onto Mont Ventoux. Mont Ventoux compares similarly to Mount Washington when starting from the town of Gorham in terms of the average grade. I've climbed Epic Kom and Alpe du Zwift with the following data: Epic Kom: 31:13 @ 2,76 W/kg Alpe du Zwift: 1:16:07 @ 2,54 W/kg. Mont Ventoux It is the white sea at 1,909m. 44|5 offers short, custom cycling tours , centered around your dream climb, with guided rides and cycling-friendly accommodation included. These tips will also help you prepare for your climb. Mont Ventoux Climbs Overview What to Expect Dates & Prices Travel Details Gallery Book this trip Overview On every self-respecting cyclist’s Bucket List, Mont Ventoux is a must if you are in the area. Bet you had a few isotonic high carbohydrate, malt based recovery drinks. Login to claim this col 3 profiles: East (from Sault) | South (from Bédoin) | West (from Malaucène) 2 le Mont Ventoux East. INTRO. It’s a long day, and I wanted to get the hard stuff done as soon as possible to avoid dehydration, or bonk on the super steep slopes of the first two sides. 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