Cycling Holidays Mont Ventoux

Test your Limits Discover who you are as a rider! Ride Ventoux ­ the col the pros fear Test your Limits on Mont Ventoux

"The Ventoux is a God of Evil, to which sacrifices must be made. It never forgives weakness and extracts an unfair tribute of suffering." ­ Roland Barthes, philosopher.

Mont Ventoux is considered one of the toughest cycling climbs in the world. It has hors category gradients, unpredictable weather, it is psychologically intimidating, and yet sometimes it can be kind but other times cruel. This col has inspired philosopher quotes. The pros respect Ventoux.

The ‘Giant of ’ will not only test your limits but it will expose your weaknesses. Some say that Ventoux mocks them, and quite possibly it does. Ventoux will show you who you are as a rider.

Professional riders have been etched into cycling folklore for what has happened to them while riding the ‘Beast of Provence’. Some have met with tragedy; some have achieved fame and glory. It has provided thrilling and controversial finishes in the Tour de .

Despite the challenge our Ventoux tour will help you reach the top of this mythic beast. We provide full support for climbing Ventoux including a style support car. It carries spare parts, food, and your personal items. Our team led by our expert head cycling coach, Martin, will ensure you are looked after during your Ventoux week. We give you the advice and encouragement to help you conquer Mont Ventoux. Our riders will ride every kilometre with you. As well as riding Ventoux from two sides, you will ride four other structured rides in the beautiful region of Provence. The rides will be challenging and pristine. All the roads are often used in the Tour de France or Paris Nice race.

Ventoux puts riders into two camps. Those who have climbed it and those who have not.

Which one will you be? The Challenges of Mont Ventoux

Riding the 'Beast of Provence' Technically, Ventoux is classed as part of The French . It stands alone from the well known cols, however, and towers above its Provence neighbours like an overseeing deity. It is more than just a tough climb. The ‘Beast of Provence’ has its own microclimate, and riders often say they get a sense of foreboding. As such, Ventoux challenges are unique. Climbing

With 10%+ gradients, Ventoux will afford you plenty of climb. 22 kms of it more or less, with a final six kilometres feeling like you are riding on the moon. Despite the rigours of the climb, the variety of vistas are there to be experienced. You ride through forests, villages, and roads between lush vegetation. The views become more breathtaking the higher you go.

Together with our support and encouragement, Ventoux will inspire you to reach the summit. Once Ventoux is conquered you’ll see an amazing view like no other in the world. Weather

Every col has different weather conditions the higher you go; cooler at the top and warmer at the bottom. Ventoux, however, has its own microclimate. Once you break the tree line at Chalet Reynard with the final 6 kms to ride, the glorious sunny day you experienced at the bottom has become a raging thunderstorm. The harsh winds that can batter Ventoux that were rampant at the bottom could have vanished at the summit. Ventoux is sometimes kind, sometimes cruel.

Our support car, however, carries your personal items including spare clothing. We recommend you have full weather cycling gear for Ventoux because the temperatures can vary so much. This way, you can wear what you need to reach the top.

Pacing

Pacing is a challenge on Ventoux and demands focus. You never know what the day has in store so keeping energy for the tougher parts of the climb is required. As you ride our expert professional cycling coach will provide encouragement, passing on information as you climb higher and higher. Knowing what to expect will help you adjust your pacing accordingly.

Descending

Ventoux offers a white knuckle thrilling descent. Those 10%+ gradients that demanded your focus to ride on the way up suddenly become your friends on the way down. That said, descending is a skill in its own right. You will need to concentrate to regulate your speed, negotiate bends, and avoiingd traffic. Riders appear to come out of nowhere on Ventoux. The challenge of descending Ventoux demands vigilance.

Nonetheless, enjoy your descending, you've more than earned it. Psychological

Every col is a little bit scary to ride. The thought of steep gradients and long distances generate feelings of excitement and nervousness. This helps us prepare mentally for the ride ahead. Ventoux, however, has upped the game. Nearly every cyclists that rides Ventoux feels it is mocking them, fighting them. If you’re having a good day and the mountain is kind when you emerge at Chalet Reynard, then you will feel the urge to press on and reach the top of Ventoux.

If the mountain is cruel, however, you may feel down that you still have 6 kms of ride to the summit, cycling in a barren lunar landscape where no life grows. A determined mindset is needed to conquer this col.

Whichever way Mont Ventoux directs your destiny we will be there with you ensuring you get to the top.

Riding Ventoux from Two Sides

Although there are three routes to the summit, on this tour you will ride two of them; Malaucène and the infamous, Bédoin. The Sault route though challenging, offers little that’s new. As such, you will have a chance to ride interesting, challenging, and beautiful rides through Provence. Malaucène to Ventoux

Malaucène begins at an altitude of 330 metres. After a relatively gentle beginning, gradients begin to exceed the 7% mark about 2 kms into the ride. From about 5 kms, however, the gradients ease off dropping below 7% in patches. From 9kms or so, an intense gradient heavy section where some hit just under 10% begins. This is followed by a brief respite for a kilometre or two before 10+ gradients hit at Mont Serin. This lasts for about a kilometre. Gradients do not drop below 7% to the summit.

Malaucène, is more sheltered than Bédoin so the ride is considered easier. From a gradient perspective the climbing challenge is still intense. Bédoin to Ventoux

Bédoin begins at an altitude of 300 metres and for the first 6kms of the ride you will encounter relatively gentle gradients. You should consider this a chance to warm up and take in your surroundings. As you progress along this route the gradients begin to get steeper. The gradient rises to around 8% before it hits you with 10%+ gradients at the 9 kms mark. The gradient falls below 10% but never falls below 7% until you reach Chalet Reynard.

The gradient eases to 5­7% until you pass La Grave. The gradients get steeper once more and you will experience 8­ 10% climbs. The final two and a half kms, you will find the gradients are hitting 10%+. Ventoux always saves the fiercest tests till last. Exploring Provence

Provence is a beautiful region of France and well known for its beauty. As you weave your way through the villages and country roads, you will not fail to notice the beautiful vineyards and floral life that is all around you.

The roads we ride take in the best of the region, riding roads used in Paris Nice and the Tour de France. They offer challenge as you climb hilly regions taking on distances up to 110 kms. You will marvel at the beauty of the region as well as feel like you are adding to cycling history. Your Ventoux Itinerary

Saturday : Arrival in & transfer to Hotel

Arrival at the hotel +­ 12:00. Lunch in a restaurant in the village, build your bike or get set up on your hire bike. Leisure ride to stretch the legs and discover the region

Sunday : Villages of «La route des vins», 110 km

This ride will take you through endless undulating vineyards and villages of Provence.

Monday : Les gorges de la Nesque, 70 ­ 75 km

Les gorges de la Nesque is one of the many gems in Provence. You will always remember it.

Tuesday : Mont Ventoux from Bédoin. 70 km

Mont Ventoux from Bédoin is the most famous and difficult ascent

Wednesday : Flat ­ undulating recovery ride

You need a relaxing day to charge up your batteries. Don't overdo it today, as tomorrow is another challenge

Thursday : Mont Ventoux from Malaucène. 90 km

Mont Ventoux from Malaucène is an "easier" ascent ; but far from being easy, don't get it wrong!

Friday : Fontaine de , 65 ­ 70 km

On the way to Fontaine de Vaucluse you will discover some more delightful places of Provence

Saturday : Airport transfer

Airport transfer to Marseille for your flight home

Please note: All rides are subject to change as they're adapted to the level of the group Support

From collecting you at the airport to providing full support for the Ventoux rides, you will have both a wondrous cycling experience and discover who you are as a rider. On every ride during your week our riders led by our professional cycling coach Martin, ride with you. They will give you support and encouragement, and deal with issues should they arise.

For the Ventoux climbs our support car comes into play. It carries your personal items, food, clothes, and spare parts. Should an issue occur we’ll deal with it. No matter what happens on Ventoux we have your back.

Hire Bike

It is a good idea to hire a bike for Ventoux. It saves you the hassle of bringing your bike on a plane, and we can offer full carbon or alloy frame bikes with adapted gearing for climbs. Talk to us when making your booking. The Riders that shaped the Legend of Ventoux

Lucien Lazarides – The First Man

Ventoux was first used as part of the Tour de France in 1951. The route was not a summit finish but crossed the summit. Lucien Laszrides was the first man that year to reach the summit and he achieved a podium finish overall in the tournament.

He was born in Greece in 1922 but became a French national in 1929.

Charly Gual – The First Summit Finisher

In 1958 Mont Ventoux was used as a summit finish in the Tour de France. Gual was an accomplished cyclist and before being the first man to win a summit finish on the Bald Mountain had already won the Giro d’Italia two years earlier. A race he would win again in 1959. After winning stage 18, he earned the nickname, – The Tragic Man ‘Angel of the mountains’. He would win four other stages in the 1958 Tour de France clinching In 1967 Britain Tom Simpson tragically died victory in the race. while trying to reach the summit in the 13th stage. During the stage he came off his bike but His Ventoux time was 1h 2m 9s starting from carried on riding the mountain only to collapse Bédoin. His time was the fastest recorded, and and die a few miles later. By all accounts he was would last another 31 years before Jonathan zigzagging all over the road. A post mortem Vaughters beat it in the Dauphiné Libéré. showed he had high alcohol and amphetamine levels, and was suffering with a stomach Diez – The Fastest Man complaint. The humid temperatures combined with the arduousness of the climb are all The fastest recorded time to reach the summit of believed to have played a part in the man’s Mont Ventoux is held by Iban Mayo who reached death. the top in 55m 51s in 2004 during the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré. He was two minutes ahead Simpson was reported to be under pressure of Tyler Hamilton and . from his manager to finish the stage and do well in the Tour de France. Simpson rode against the Although he showed promise and achieved advice of his team mates who wanted him to major stage victories in the sport, he tested quit. There is a monument to him on Mont positive for doping in 2007 and was given a two Ventoux close to the spot where he died. year ban. He decided not to return to the sport after the ban and retired. Shaping the Legend

Every rider that reaches the summit of Ventoux helps to shape the legend and to shape cycling folklore. The pros can reach the top in 1 hr 15 minuets; amateurs take 2­3 hours. What will your time be? Your Hotel At a Glance Included

A chance to climb Ventoux from two sides: Malaucène, and the infamous Bédoin route

6 structured bike rides Ventoux/Provence The delightful hotel de charme, Le Domaine des Tilleuls***, set in a refurbished 18th century Back­up riders providing support and magnanery (silk farm), welcomes you in Malaucène, coaching advice a typically Provençal village. It is the best imaginable location for your holiday, at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Back­up car for assistance, carrying spares, refreshments, and change of clothes on the Its expansive grounds feature a swimming pool and a two Mont Ventoux climbs wide array of trees (lime, plane, ash and cedar trees...) in a 12,000m² of secluded and peaceful Secure bike storage grounds. 7 nights B&B, sharing en­suite room The owners, Francine and Louis will take care of all your needs and wishes. They pride themselves with a Airport transfers with private mini­bus personalised and friendly service and will serve you delicious breakfasts with a vast choice of fresh Free action shots of your Ventoux products. experience

Malaucène offers a wide selection of restaurants in Free SportActive Ventoux Finisher jersey walking distance for your evening meals.

Optional

Bike hire

Single Supplement

Airport transfer for your bike: 33 € return

Not Included

Flights

Private medical & travel insurance Prices & Dates

3rd ­ 10th August 2019 How to Book

Price 2019 To discover what kind of rider you are and (7 nights, pps) to test your limits: Early Bird 1199 € Phone Martin: Book before Save 150 € 0044/(0) 28 71 36 5997 30/12/2018 Email : Regular 1349 € [email protected] From 31/12/2018 Visit : Single Supplement: 45 €/night https://sportactive.net/

Test your Limits on the Legendary Ventoux. What will your time be? Book Now

SportActive Cycling Holidays and Camps 28 Gelvin Gardens, Trench Road, L/Derry, BT472DQ Northern Ireland Tel : 0044/(0) 287136 5997