For every amateur cyclist
sport, the ascension of the Mont Ventoux is the climax of the
Tour de France. It is the dream of all cyclists to climb the difficult
slopes of the Mont Ventoux. The road by Bedoin is the toughest
and the most prestigious.
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The autor of this report
doesn’t mindsuffering to bring you description of this adventure
!
In the village of Bedoin, a line on the road indicates
the start of the 21.6 km climb. The first kilometres up to the hamlet
of « Les Bruns » are easy, the road follows the foot
of the mountain, offering a superb view of vineyards and the Mont
Ventoux. |
At the Saint Estève curve,
the serious stuff really begins : the road winds up in the forest along
the rocky combs, rising on a 10% slope for 9km. Quickly with the effort,
the heart races, legs stiffen, each push on the pedals demands will power
and determination … with no rest, after each bend, the road still
climbs on mercilessly.
At the Chalet Reynard (alt 1440 m),
the road leaves the forest, and provides san opportune respite before
entering a lunar landscape, a desert of limestone, bleached by the sun
and the wind. The slope is not so great (about 7%), but with the altitude
and the fatigue, the effort is still intense, especially if the wind joins
the party !
The road follows the curves of the
mountain, the emotive memorial of Tom Simpson’s stele at the right
indicates the end just 2 km, those are the hardest, but the proximity
of the summit helps to overcome the pain.
The last bend : do not hope it’s
becoming easier at the end ! The joy of reaching the summit soon banishes
of the past few moments. The ascent of the Mont Ventoux by bike will create
an unforgettable memory in a tribute to this rare place of natural beauty.
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