How long does it take to ride Ventoux?

The pros do the route from Bédoin in about an hour. The fastest time recorded to date is Iban Mayo’s time of 55 minutes 51 seconds in the individual climbing time trial of the 2004 Dauphiné Libéré. Top amateurs ride it in less than two hours.

When was Ventoux deforested?

12th century
Originally forested, Mont Ventoux was systematically stripped of trees from the 12th century onwards to serve the demands of the shipbuilders of the naval port of Toulon.

Why is Mont Ventoux so difficult?

“Not being among other mountains can make Ventoux harder. The Col de la Bonette, for example, is long and hard, but it’s cooler because it’s in the middle of a valley and among other Alps. Ventoux is in the middle of Provence. If it’s hot, it becomes worse.”

How many routes does Mont Ventoux have?

3 Routes
The 3 Routes Up Ventoux.

Who died on Mont Ventoux?

Tom Simpson
On this day in 1967 Tom Simpson collapsed on Mont Ventoux. Cyclist talks to Simpson’s daughter Joanne about the man and his untimely death. How much do most people know about Tom Simpson, beyond that he died one baking afternoon high on the barren slopes of Mont Ventoux in southern France?

Can you drive to the top of Mont Ventoux?

If you’ve got a car, you can drive to the summit of Mont Ventoux from either Malaucène or Saint Estève via the D974, or from Sault via the D164. For information on bus services in the area visit the Carpentras Tourist Office (referenced below).

Why are there no trees on Mt Ventoux?

The pass is traversed by the D974 road. The surface of the road to the summit is paved. The top of the mountain is bare limestone without vegetation or trees, which makes the mountain’s barren peak appear from a distance to be snow-capped all year round (its snow cover actually lasts from December to April).

What is a good time for Mont Ventoux?

The season for testing your mettle on the Mont Ventoux climb runs from April to November. Snowfall prevents you reaching the top at the height of winter. Tommy Simpson won the Tour in 1967, but just four months later collapsed and died of heart failure on the slopes of Mont Ventoux in the Tour de France.

What is the building on top of Mont Ventoux?

Observatory
The Observatory of the summit of Mont Ventoux in winter – France.

Can you run up Mont Ventoux?

There has recently been a huge project to refurbish the summit of Mont Ventoux. The aim of this is to discourage overcrowding and to privilege hikers and cyclists. Cars are no longer able to drive right up to the top.

How fast do pros climb Mont Ventoux?

Mayo’s average speed of 23.1km/h was fast enough to beat some of the biggest names of the time, including Tyler Hamilton and Lance Armstrong, and is still the fastest ever ascent of Ventoux on record. López averaged 22.27km/h on the 7.5 per cent average gradient climb.

Who holds the record for the fastest ascent of Mont Ventoux?

Jonas Vingegaard’s
Jonas Vingegaard’s time on the 15.9km stretch of Mont Ventoux today is one of the fastest ever recorded on the climb, with the 24-year-old Dane clocking 48:24. The Jumbo Visma rider attacked the general classification group close to the top of the climb and even dropped yellow jersey Tadej Pogačar (UAE-Team Emirates).

How long is the route from Bedoin to Mont Ventoux?

Cycling Mont Ventoux: Bédoin route. Just take a look at the stats for cycling Mont Ventoux via Bedoin: Bédoin-Mont Ventoux is 21.3 km long, it climbs 1,579 m, and its average gradient is 7.4%. By way of comparison, L’Alpe d’Huez is 13.8 km at an average gradient of 7.9%. If you’re only riding Mont Ventoux once, make it Bédoin to Ventoux.

Is it OK to cycle Mont Ventoux in Provence?

There is another side to cycling in Provence, far away from Mont Ventoux: the less famous, easier going rides through bucolic countryside. The region is a wonderful place to cycle even if you (or someone you’re travelling with) doesn’t want to cycle Mont Ventoux itself.

Which is the most difficult route up Ventoux?

It’s a brutal, relentless climb – from around Sainte Estève to Chalet Reynard, you’ll ride at a gradient of around 9-10%. By far the most popular of the three routes. A quieter route but no less challenging. Its stats are similar to the classic climb ( 21km with an ascent of 1570 metres), but its gradients are more variable.

How big is the gradient on Mont Ventoux?

Just take a look at the stats for cycling Mont Ventoux via Bedoin: Bédoin-Mont Ventoux is 21.3 km long, it climbs 1,579 m, and its average gradient is 7.4%. By way of comparison, L’Alpe d’Huez is 13.8 km at an average gradient of 7.9%. If you’re only riding Mont Ventoux once, make it Bédoin to Ventoux.