Hauptkatalog 2009 - Touratech Nordic

the cold mistral blasting us at the summit. It’s no mystery
where Ventoux got its Latin name mons ventosus –
“windy mountain”. At the Col des Tempêtes (“the Pass
of Storms”) on the north side, it is not uncommon for
storms to sweep over the ridge road with wind speeds
in excess of 200 km/h.
Ventoux may look deserted from down below, but
once you get up there it certainly isn’t. The mountain is a
major draw for cyclists, who flock to this (in)famous leg
of the Tour de France. The trail that passes through Bédoin
is one of the most gruelling climbs, gaining 1,600
metres in altitude over 21 kilometres, with an average
gradient of 7.6%. Many fear the treeless summit with its
scorching sun and strong winds – and quite rightly. If you
underestimate Mont Ventoux you’ll pay dearly – possibly
with your life. The mountain gained notoriety in 1967
when British cyclist Tom Simpson collapsed and died
less than a mile from the summit. Every year between
ten and twenty amateur cyclists meet their demise, dying
either of exhaustion or a fatal accident.
The weather is on our side – a bright blue sky and
not a cloud in sight, so the view is simply stunning. From
here you can see the Mediterranean Sea as well as the
highest peaks of the Pyrenees and the Alps.
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