Road Bike Kit - Mont Ventoux

About the Mountain

The climb of Mont Ventoux is known as the giant of Provence. Located in Provence it is subject to the strong Mistral winds of the area. From Bedoin the climb starts with a gentle gradient while rather uniquely, the summit can be seen from the beginning of the climb in the distance. The mountain is forested up to around Chalet Reynard, a former refuge turned into a restaurant at the bottom of a ski resort, located at 1,417m. After this point the trees cease and a lunar like landscape takes over all the way to the summit. This part of the climb is exposed to the moods of the Mistral winds and the heat, which is reflected by the rocks at the side of the road.

A monument to the British cyclist Tom Simpson, who died on the climb in the Tour de France in July 1967, is located close to the summit.

The Ventoux was featured in the 100th edition of the Tour de France in 2013 on stage 15 where Chris Froome rode away from Nairo Quintana close to the summit to win the stage and the Tour that year.

In the 2016 Tour de France, Chris Froome, once again, was involved in the action but due to a motorcycle induced crash, also involving the favourites, Richie Porte and Bauke Mollema. Chris Froome ended up without an operational bike. Due to the compacted and large crowds his team car could not get through quickly with a replacement bike and Froome started to run up the climb in his cycling cleats. A sight never before seen in the history of the Tour.

Two other ascents of Mont Ventoux are available: Northwest from Malaucène: 1570 m over 21.5 km and East from Sault: 1210 m over 26 km.