Days 4 and 5: All about Ventoux
Couldn’t post about Wednesday’s ride as we didn’t have wireless access in Carpentras, where we ended up.
We cut west across country from Digne-les-Bains, 145km in countryside that changed quickly from alpine to Provencal. After a short lunch stop in Banon we climbed a small hill and as we crested, there in the distance (and by that I mean 50km away) the massive form of Mont Ventoux loomed. It was hard to take your eyes off it for the next 65km into Carpentras.
Our final day dawned with beautifully clear blue skies in Carpentras and, thankfully, barely a whisper of breeze. We spun the 15km gently out to Bedoin, wished everyone luck and started the 20km climb to the summit.
It was everything I’d ever heard! The lower slopes through the forest were steep and hot, before the trees disappeared at Chalet Reynard and we headed up through the infamous moonscape of the upper slopes. Caps were doffed at the Tom Simpson memorial – and one of the guys dropped off a Les Veloistes Gentils cap – and we tapped it out to the top. I’m delighted to say that every one of our 22 riders made it up to the 1,900m summit, and therefore got to enjoy the stunning descent to Malaucene. A long lunch was had before a relatively gentle ride to our final destination in Avignon.
Final stats for the week: 725km ridden, 11,000m+ climbed. Brilliant.
you are totally insane. all of you. but much respect.
A very big well done to you all
Chapeau mate!
Plan is to ride up the Tourmalet the day prior to the Tour stage…would love to ride with you guys if you’re over.
Cheers
Ah, cool. Won’t be down there then I’m afraid. Planning on being in Bordeaux for the stage finish on the 23rd and the TT on the 24th.
You in London next week? I’m at Look Mum No Hands! on Tuesday afternoon watching the Tour go over the Col de la Madeleine.