I’m sure most of you have seen thousands of photos and video of Mont Ventoux and feel as though you’ve ridden it yourself. In any case, I thought I’d share a few more with you after my ride up there today with a ripper of a headache (I have to thank Mrs CT for stepping up to the plate and filling in for me after my Bastille Day celebrations last night).
In case you haven’t heard, it’s HOT here in South Eastern France right now. The mercury went up to 40C yesterday and 35C today. The top of Mont Ventoux was a sensational 24C with light winds. The winds can sometimes get extremely bad up there so I was very lucky to get such a good day for the ascent.
Mont Ventoux has had some fascinating bike racing history laid out on its roads. I remember the last time I was here I saw “Pantani” painted everywhere from his last victory on the mountain. Coincidentally, the last time I cycled this road was the day he tragically passed away.
As much at this climb is built up to be extremely difficult by the legends that live on it, it’s got nothin’ on Mt Hotham (a nasty climb in the Australian Alpine region). According to my GPS Mont Ventoux never gets over 10%. In fact, it’s much the same as riding Mt Hotham. Moderate at the start, nice false flat to recover on in the middle, and then kicks up again at the end. However, Mt Hotham gets much steeper, harder to get a rhythm, and is longer.
Here are a few photos of the ride. It’s absolutely spectacular. Hopefully these give you a sense of what it’s like. Enjoy!
The village of Sault is where I started the climb up Mont Ventoux. This is the beginning of the ride coming out of Sault
Lavender fields everywhere at the beginning of the ascent. You can smell it for miles!
This is where it starts getting up to 10% and more difficult after 45mins of climbing
The landscape starts getting more barron and the road gets steeper
Look who I bumped into! The whole Hampton Cycles Aussie crew were out on Ventoux. What are the chances?
Still 3km from the top
Check out these guys' TdF adventures at http://fostersflyingtours.blogspot.com/
C'est Moi
Shut up legs!
The Tom Simpson Memorial
Lots of little momentos that people have left
click here for ride data (no powermeter used and lots of stopping for photos…)
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{ 44 comments }
Are you riding a CX bike?
For those who don't know about Tom Simpson, here's some info from Wikipedia → http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Simpson
Noice…
Looks outstanding, but Hotham just got more intimidating.
I've just had a religious experience.
I think CT is riding his Cannondale cross bike with road wheels… nice !
Also, the classic Tour approach to the climb is from the town of Bedoin… and it's much harder. There's actually three different routes to the top.
Wade, if it's not too late, you must ride the Gorges de la Nesque… fantastic quiet gorge road ride. From Sault to Villes Sur Auzon. Do-able as out and back half day ride from Sault.
Enjoy!
Oh… my… god…
You have a picture of a man riding without sleeves
It is amazing how close the weather is on each side of the world, 35dC 3.5dC, what's a decimal pace between friends! (Actually it has been fairly good this week)
I was talking about Tom Simpson on the CN forum the other day on his anniversary and I will say it again the most unfortunate thing is he is remembered for his death, not his achievements (actually I may have said it on here before) First anglo to win WC, Monuments, wear the Yellow… but after him there was nothing significant from Engish speakers until Ando (and Kelly) so you could argue they were more long term significant on the sport for breaking through
That said LeMond was once quoted as saying that he thought that Simpson had more effect on Sport (ALL sports) than ANYONE else, because without Simpson there would be no testing and bans for drugs
That's the way Wade, stick it to the Europeans and their piddly hills. Ventoux, merde, I'm off to do Berry Mountain! ;)
I watched stage 20 again from the 2009 tour last night, was great to watch Andy Schleck with Contador on his wheel, attack and attack, waiting for Frank to jump across but Frank could'nt or worried about bringing the other rides in his group, Contador geetting grumpy with Lance on the last corner as Lance took the inside – was a fantastic stage to finish the tour.
Think Garate average was 24.9kph up VT took him and chasing group around 45-50mins? (can't remember, someone will correct me)
Will be looking out for the 'Shut Up Legs' or 'CyclingTipsBlog.com' paint on the Tourmalet!
Wade, Great photos and posts over the last couple of weeks. Did you at least smash it on the down hill run?
Now I feel even more silly for doing Hotham last summer with 39×23 as smallest gear.
Hey Wade, Was thinking you might bump inot the Hampton Guys on Ventoux. Did you smash them to pieces?
Wish I was there too, like most of your readers.
That could be a woman without sleeves and if so, in the heat… I find that totally acceptable
I don't think it is because Women are usually silly enough to do things like climb mountains in scorching heat, but it wouldn't be my only mistake above, I just realised I listed Sean Kelly as English speaking!
Wade,What you missed this morning : 3C and into a cool SW, -I know where i'd rather be
CT, you've just gone too far with the “Look What You Missed This Morning……..” segment! In George Costanza fashion, I've just told the boss to stick his job so I can get on a plane tomorrow for Barcelona. I'll meet you in the Pyrenees. Not sure how I'll feed the kids when I get back, though!? Will cycling pay the bills…………………….?
LOL! Great bike rider, agree can't understand a word he says. Can't believe he got a commentator gig
CT, maybe it's all the French food and wine but your form on the mountain looks scratchy at best!! I see some pronounced grimmacing on what appears to be a flattish section. Just gaggin'. But seriously, lift your game on blog content cos I think Mrs CT has set a new standard ;-)
Good move Aaron G. Like Costanza you should turn up at work on Monday as if nothing ever happened. If all else fails you could slip your boss a micky.
Off topic for a bit: I smirked and grimaced watching Renshaw give the old glasgow kiss to Julian Dean. I guess looking at the replays he deserved being ousted, but hey that's the kind of mongrel you need for sprinting. Wonder what this is going to do for Cav in Bordeaux, will he make 4? Wonder what Stapleton is thinking right now …
Don't forget the Frenchies drive on the other side of the road!!! You're asking for a head on here CT.
I have a suspicion that Mark was not rubbed out for hte head butts but for chopping across Farrar's line.
Brilliant Images mate.
The Cannondale looks sharp on the hill too ;-)
PaT
3 degrees any day!
Renshaw should have waited until the end of the stage and attacked him with a wheel. Would have only gotten a fine.
Rookie mistake.
Random thought, CT – did you think of doing during the tour what you did during the giro? That is, show a twitter collection of the relevant riders and teams.
Jay's Capos all over the shop – very un-PRO…
Good to see the Hampton boys on the front up the Madeleine – or was that BMC? I still can't tell them apart.
Beatiful pictures…..I am stunned….
Do you have your own bikes with you, or is it rental bikes?
Hotham is very doable, if you pace yourself, gear your bike properly and aren't trying to stay with the A Grade leaders in the Tour of Bright!
The Meg is steep, but it's over very quickly. The south side of Macedon (to pick a climb that many Melbourne cyclists will be familiar with) is as steep for a lot longer.
The real challenge is the last few kays, particularly CRB Hill, which is a long stretch of 10% which comes after you've been climbing for over an hour (for mere mortals like me, *well* over an hour).
But, if you've got a basic level of fitness, fit your bike with a climbing cassette (and, preferably, a compact crank) and give Hotham a go.
Wade, please can you do a post that doesn't make me green with envy, I'm getting sick of this!
Oh wow looks stunning just like the moon =S
But if your there with BMC why arent you riding one of there bikes?
I would of figured what better advertising then here? I know im getting one once i have the money =D
Beautiful pics.
My memory of Ventoux was that it was great, first time over. Try going down the other side, round through Bedoin then back up to rejoin the road back to Sault. That's a ride that'll toast your legs!
+1 to the Gorges de la Nesque recommendation. Lovely day 2 ride.
Does the self proclaimed “world's best barman” still work in Sault?
Ha! If Renshaw were a Frenchman he'd have the red number today for “most aggressive rider” ;-)
CT or anyone else with some Tour experience,
Any ideas on how to best view the Pyrenean stages? Particularly getting up the Port de Bales. What time do they close the roads?
Was disappointed to be stopped by the Gendarme on my way to the Madeleine the other day.
Yes, I brought my CX tank along with me. I'm not too concerned if it gets scratched or stolen. It's horrible to ride but I love it!
Thanks for the suggestion. I did this ride about 6yrs ago and Mrs CT and I went back today and did it. Unbelievable! Photo from today (you can see Ventoux in the background):
http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/wp-content/uploa...
How'd the 3.0's climb Ventoux? Mine are on their way! I got an upgraded version from Fairwheel Bikes here in the states with upgraded hubs and straight pull spokes. Can't wait to try them out.
Thanks for the reply! Did a road trip over Christmas that took in Hotham and got the urge to come back and have a crack at some point in the future. Might be worth another road trip this spring/summer.
It's an awesome descent because you can see far around most corners. The bends in the road are gradual so you can safely fly down the mountain!
I've hit an all time high with ther amount of food I'm able to eat.I'm gonna be pushing 85kg up the col de tomorrow…
I think most people bring their own bikes. I did anyway
Wade, I rode the Bedoin route March 2009 during the Paris-Nice. I had to walk the last 100m after the last hairpin as the summit was still covered with snow. Good to meet you guys at the chalet in Morzine!! Enjoy the rest of Le Tour!! Mark
Conspiracy theory from Cycling News website…
“Joaquin Rodriguez's easy ride on Alberto Contador's coat tails in the closing kilometres of stage 12 has prompted talk of a possible Katusha-Astana alliance in the Pyrenees.
The theory seems plausible for two reasons: one, Rodriguez admitted in his post-race press conference that he and Contador are friends, and, two, the threat posed by the Catalan on GC won't worry the defending champ unduly.
Another consideration is how political interests might come into play.
Katusha and Astana have strong government backing in Russia and Kazakhstan respectively, and diplomatic and economic links between the two ex-Soviet states are currently pretty cosy.
The fanciful but appealing conclusion may be that Andy Schleck's biggest enemy over the coming days will turn out to be not Alberto Contador or Joaquin Rodriguez but…Vladimir Putin”.
I wonder what the 'Silent Assassin' thinks? Maybe Menchov will need to make some urgent calls..?
Wade, interesting to compare with Mt Hotham. While you're over there enjoying yourself, don't miss out on the chance to ride the Tour of Bright. Entries are now open & are capped. So get in quick.
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