Ventoux project,
The challenge
Club des Cinglés du Mont
Ventoux – Three assents of Mont
Ventoux within 24 hours
Cinglés,
the French word for
‘mad’ or ‘bonkers’
Assent 01
Bédion,
breath in the history!
21.5km
My day had finally come. On the way to Bedoin I felt sick. Sick with fear and sick from excitement. I went to a local boulangerie to get my first Cinglés stamp. I drank a coffee, ate a croissant (which was difficult to get down) and prepared myself to roll out for the first of the three assents.
The start of the climb is a ‘gentle’ 6KM. You can see the lights of the tower in the distance. Then you hit the feared forest section — 10KM averaging over 9%. There was something really magical about ascending in the dark in a forest steeped in cycling history.
Shortly after breaking through the forest you reach Chalet Reynard. I had heard so much about this place as it is a constant Ventoux reference point. It signals the final, iconic and brutal 6KM section. The lunar landscape is familiar. I felt like I’ve climbed it before as I have seen it so many times on the TV during ‘the tour’. It’s spectacular and intimidating. The last 2 KM played with my head. The oxygen is thinner and again it ramps up to over 9%. Then within the last kilometre you reach the Tommy Simpson memorial. The last few metres of this ascent was for Tommy — he couldn’t make it but I certainly could. On the summit, the sun was up, and so was I. Ascent one completed. My body complied and I loved every bloody moment.
Assent 02
Malaucéne,
head down!
21.2km
1,570m climbing
7.5% average gradient
15.9% maximum gradient 21.2km
1,570m climbing
7.5% average gradient
15.9% maximum gradient
The descent back down to Malaucene was cold, long and steep. I had climbed this side in 2015, it was a painful and unpleasant day. I began to feel a little nervous and anxious as each kilometre brought back bad memories. This triggered a pain flare up. By the time I was at the bottom I was in agony. I had to go back to the apartment and try and get on top of it. I showered, stretched, refuelled and changed. It was clear that the Malaucene ascent was going to be tough. I made my way out onto the climb in a lot of pain. I knew I had to get my head down and battle through this.
The entire 21KM felt relentless. My body was protesting and the road continued to ramp. All I remember are the green arrows on the side of the road and the desire to have just one more gear. This was the mental battle I was expecting — me against my pain and the road. Remembering the massive support I had received was the only reason as to why I didn’t step off the bike.
Then with about 4KM to go I could finally see the tower. It was at this point I felt like it could be done. The last 2KM’s were super emotional. I was absolutely exhausted from the pain, I felt broken but I was too close to give in now! I turned the final corner to see the ramp up onto the tower and the famous ‘Sommet du Ventoux’ sign . I had broken the back of the beast but it had very nearly broken me.
Assent 03
Sault,
believe and it will happen!
25.8km
1,210m climbing
4.7% average gradient
12.4% maximum gradient 25.8km
1,210m climbing
4.7% average gradient
12.4% maximum gradient
I descended down to Sault to collect my last Cingles stamp. My body was exhausted. I was not sure I had the legs for the remaining 26km climb. I had time to refuel before needing to head off onto my final ascent. I rode past the lavender fields and made my way to the forest sector.
The gradient was gentle which helped the legs immensely. In comparison to the previous climbs the 4 and 5% felt like a gentle spin down after a hard session. As every kilometre passed I felt excited and more confident. I began to allow myself to really believe I could do this! Thoughts of the hours on the bike, the highs and lows went through my mind. I was about to realise something I had been working towards for so long — and it felt so damn good! It was this confidence and motivation that projected me up the last 6KMs. In the distance I could see the tower. No longer was it intimidating, it just looked glorious in the evening light! I finally reached the summit — just me and the tower. It was over. Chronic pain, you lost this battle!
