Description

From Sault - [Average gradient: 4.5% - Maximum gradient : 11.0% - Distance 25.7km - Height gain 1152m]

From Bedoin - [Average gradient: 7.1% - Maximum gradient : 11.0% - Distance 22.7km - Height gain 1622m]

From Malaucene - [Average gradient: 7.2% - Maximum gradient : 10.9% - Distance 21.2km - Height gain 1535m]

Probably the second most famous climb after Alpe d'Huez, Mont Ventoux is a real magnet for the cyclist. Situated in the province region of southern france Mont Ventoux with its limestone white mountain top and weather tower dominates the skyline for miles. It is the largest mountain in the region and is often referred to as the 'Giant of Provence'  or 'The Bald Mountain'

Ventoux was last used in the Tour de France in 2009 with Juan Manuel Gárate winning the stage. Mont Ventoux is probably most famous among British cycling fans as the place that their only world cycling champion Tom Simpson died in the 1967 while competing in the Tour de France. There is a small monument to Tom Simpson towards the top of the mountain which is usually covered with flowers and other cycling memorabilia.

There are three ascents of Mont Ventoux

• The easiest from Sault climbs 1152 metres over 25.7km
• The hardest (and probably most famous) climbs 1622m from Bedoin over 22.7km
• The third climbs from Malaucene over 21.2km with a height gain of 1535m

Both the Sault and Bedoin climb share the same last 7km from Chalet Reynard.

Ventoux in French means windy so the mountain does have a reputation for being a little windy at the top !