Mont Ventoux – 3 Ways in Three Days Classic Cycle Climb
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The notorious Mont Ventoux stands proud in Provence, southern France. Famous for its barren landscape and unrelenting heat, this is truly one of the great ‘classic climbs’. We attack the mountain each day with three different routes to the top.
3 ascents of Ventoux
261km of riding
6359m of elevation
Fully supported ride
2 nights accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1 Travel – Malaucene 74km, 1967m Elevation
Fly from the UK to Marseille Airport, with a transfer to the town of Vaison la Romanie. A short warm up ride follows in the afternoon, before heading towards the ominous Mont Ventoux via the Malaucene route. The climb starts at 360m as the gradient increases to 9%. From here on to the top the climb is relentless with little respite with the average gradient being close to 7.2%. As you leave the trees you will get a fantastic view of the weather station at the top of Ventoux. Once you have reached the top it is back for dinner and a good night’s sleep.
Day 2 – Bedoin 85km, 2136m
The early morning start sees you ascent from the Bedoin route which is regard as the classing way up the mountain. The length of the climb from Bedoin to the summit at 1912m, is 21.5km. This gives an elevation of 1612m an average gradient of 7.5%. The last 6km and 300m from Chalet Reynard will be much but more exposed as you push on to reach the summit route to Ventoux. Once at the top you are allowed the luxury of taking in the views and take stock of your achievements. The ride down will be a welcome relief as your take a leisurely route back to your accommodation and have dinner.
Day 3 – Sault 102km, 2256m
Its another early morning start today as you head for Sault for your third and final attempt on Ventoux. Sault is regarded as the easier route up the mountain. Starting the climb at 694m and covering 26km, the average gradient is 3.6% up to Chalet Reynard. The last 6km from here increases in gradient as you pas the Tommy Simpson memorial and the last 1500 metres are at an average of 10%. The route down to Malaucene will be a welcome relief as you head back to the hotel to shower and board the bus for the journey back to the airport.