Watching TDF Mont Ventoux Stage

[simoni]

Hi, I'm lucky enough to be watching the TDF on Ventoux this summer. I'm familiar with the area and have ridden Ventoux several times. Just wondering if anyone can share any experience of accessing the mountain on race day.

Whats the best way of getting to the upper slopes of the climb on race-day? I'm guessing that getting up and down from Bedoin will be extremely busy. Is there scope for riding up from Malaucene or Sault on race day and returning the same way to avoid the worst of the crowds? Is walking up from Bedoin feasible?

All advice and experience of last time appreciated.


Cheers!

 

[Christian]

Congratulations! I was also thinking about going but in the end decided not to. I think it is also 14th of July, is it not? So I expect even more humungous crowds than usual.

Since you know the area you will know all of this, here are just my thoughts:

Walking up from Bédoin I would not consider personally... isn't the ascent 22km? Depends on where you want to stand of course. I think personally I would prefer to stand in the last 6km. So if I had to walk 16 km up a mountain and then stand for hours and then walk 16km down again I would be dead.

Riding up from Sault you don't get to the summit IIRC. I think you come out around the 6km to go sign. That might be a good choice, because then you might have more possibilities to choose from, where you want to stand.

From Malaucène you come through the finish area, IINM. My fear would be that things might be blocked off or that it might be hard to get through. I also assume there might be some traffic with TV cars, etc.

Yeah I think personally I would try to ride up from Sault. If I was in good shape

Enjoy your stay, I'm sure it will be fantastic!!

 

[Nick0h]

Bike Rental

Great advice! I am also going to this stage although I do not have my bike...I am absolutely desperate for a bike so if anyone has some hints on how I can get some wheels, dont be afraid to let me know!

If I cannot get one then I'll have to get my walking shoes on!

 

[LugHugger]

Great advice! I am also going to this stage although I do not have my bike...I am absolutely desperate for a bike so if anyone has some hints on how I can get some wheels, dont be afraid to let me know!

If I cannot get one then I'll have to get my walking shoes on!

Hope that this helps you out!