Today marks another special day in the Tour de France: a stage from Montpellier with finish atop Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence!
It’s one of the most iconic mountains in our region and in the history of the Tour. Nearly all the greats have claimed victories here.
Few other mountain has inspired as many books as Ventoux memoirs, novels (Ventoux by Bert Wagendorp is a must-read!), photo collections, coffee table editions… the stories are as legendary as the climb itself.
For me, it has always been the special one. It’s a great feeling knowing that almost everyone in the family has made the climb. Goosebump-inducing moments.
My first ascent was with Jorrit and a few friends, I believe back in 2002. I rode a squeaky, heavily accessorized mountain bike I had bought years earlier in Cape Cod, not exactly ideal gear for this Hors Catégorie climb! Jorrit (17), on the other hand, was on Uncle Rinus’ red Pinarello and reached the top well ahead of me.
Later came other rides, just the boys, or with Dagmar (who had a slow-motion fall just 30 meters before Tom Simpson’s memorial), and one with Inge. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve climbed Mont Ventoux. Mostly from Sault, practical, a bit longer, and, let’s be honest, slightly easier—but also many times from Bédoin and Malaucène. My last ascent was with Paul (I think he was 13 or for his debut): up from Bédoin and down via Malaucène. Pffff! That one was a beast.
Every time it’s different. Always special. Always a challenge. Sometimes it’s super-hot, other times cold and always windy. No two climbs have ever been the same but reaching the summit is always an emotional moment.
The last time the Tour de France tackled Mont Ventoux, in 2021 won by Wout van Aert, we watched it from the Col de la Liguère (1st Category), and as always, it was spectacular. This year, we had plans to return with some cycling friends, but due to some annoying injuries from a recent fall, it’ll be TV-only this time.
After last years heart surgery, I’m preparing to take on this beast again hopefully, this autumn. But my real dream? To climb it again within five years or so, with family, friends… and Margot! Who knows—it would be amazing. If you can watch today's race, from Bedoin onwards it will be spectacular again, everyone wants to wins this stage. The finish is expected at 17:00. All of you have memories of le Ventouxxxx.
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