Mont Ventoux

Ride the Legendary Mont Ventoux and preview the route for the 2009 Etape du Tour

' It's a tough mountain, a really stiff challenge and probably the most difficult climb in France '

Lance Armstrong, June 2002 , Daupnine libere

The barren uppper slopes of Mont Ventoux have engineered victory. tragedy and history in equal measure. This weekend provides you the opportunity to preview and ride the route of  the 2009 L'Etape du Tour and test your self on the ascent of the Mont Ventoux from Bedoin with is the arguably the toughest approach to the mountain.

Friday

Arrive at Marseille Airport in the afternoon, where you will be met and driven by private transfer to Montelimar (transfer time approx. 90 minutes). Unpack bikes and gather for dinner and review the ride schedule for Saturday

Saturday - Montelimar to Bedoin 146km

Following a "large breakfast" and final bike check we will depart and ride the route of the 2009 Etape du Tour to Bedoin along the beautiful roads and climbs of the Cote de Citelle , Col d'Ey, Col de Fantaube and Col de Notre-Dame des Abeilles and to the base of the Ventoux. The ride will be lead by our professional guides with constant support from our team car.
Luggage and bike boxes will be transferred separately to the hotel for the second night and will be there on your arrival.

Sunday - Mont Ventoux to Flassan 102km

After breakfast and a quick warm-up ride we will climb the Mont Ventoux from Bedoin (21.5km average gradient 7.5%) which will be the approach used in the Etape du Tour. From the summit we will descend to Sault and continue in the direction of Flassan through the spectacular Gorges de la Nesque with a gradual descent for 22km. From Flassan we will take a number of small roads winding through lavender fields back to our base near Bedoin.
 

NOTE: Recommended inbound flight is with BA departing Gatwick 13.50 arriving Marseille 16.45 and outbound again with BA on Monday morning- departing Marseille at 10.10am. If you need to return Sunday evening there will be the option to ride Mont Ventoux and return direct to the hotel (shorter ride) for the BA flight departing 17.20. The price for the two night option is £495.00