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Mont Ventoux cycling
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neil millen, exeter, United Kingdom
neil millen, exeter, United Kingdom
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The giant of Provence is the highlight of many a journey through this beautiful region in the South of France. Its isolated location gives the mountain something gigantic and dominant and when the weather is clear you can see from the top the Alps in the east, the Cevennes in the west and the Mediterranean Sea in the south.
The Mont Ventoux is usually pronounced in the same breath as Bédoin. Bédoin is indeed by far the most popular side to climb the Ventoux, not in the least because of the fact that the Tour usually visits this side and most cycling history is written here. Also the location of Bédoin, in the bowl of the Mont Ventoux might be more interesting from a tourist point of view. But ignoring the Malaucène side when you're in the neighborhood would be a shame. Via the Madeleine, a short and easily digestible climb, you reach Malaucène from Bédoin in half an hour.
Although Malaucène also has a few restaurants, it is less crowded than in Bédoin. But also in Malaucène you can rent a bike for your climb in the local bike shop. However, most cyclists who cycle up here are on average a lot better trained than those on the other side, cycle up faster and have brought their own bike.
It is said that the Bédoin side is heavier than the Malaucène side. The climbbybike index proves that this is indeed the case (155.86 versus 171.24). Yet the difference is minimal. While the Bédoin side has a heavy long section in the forest, the Malaucène side has an even heavier, although half as long, section in the middle of the climb.
Fortunately, this side offers more interesting views because the view is less obstructed by forest and trees.
The Malaucène side also knows her chalet, the Chalet Liotard. This is at about the same altitude as the Chalet Renard (1427 meters). From here you can cycle on to Mont Serein. Keep to the right in front of the Chalet, then you get a short heavy piece for the choice. Once you pass it, you climb to the top at about 8% on average. The landscape here reminds you less of the moon. Only in the last kilometers you get above the tree line, which is a lot higher here than on the southern side. First you see the "Le Radome Mont Ventoux" air navigation station. Only at the end the characteristic tower of the weather station becomes visible. Just a little while longer, and you notice that you are not alone on the mountain.
The Mont Ventoux is situated in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur.
This climb belongs to the Massif des Cèdres.
The Mont Ventoux via Malaucene is ranked number 2 of the Massif des Cèdres.
Starting from Malaucene,
the Mont Ventoux ascent is 21.2 km long. Over this distance, you climb 1580 heightmeters.
The average percentage thus is 7.2 %.
Note that the Mont Ventoux contains a flat section of 0.2 kilometer.
Over the total distance, you actually climb for 20.2 km while you descend for 0.3 km. In total you gain 1584 altitude meters. That means that the average grade uphill is 7.7 %. In the descending section, you drop 4 altitudemeters at an average grade of 1.5 %.
All this results in an adjusted Climbbybike difficulty score of 166.01.
You can check the current traffic and wintertime situation of the Mont Ventoux in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur via Bison futé.
If you want to climb the Mont Ventoux, you can find more information on how to train to climb the Mont Ventoux here.
Since 2005, the Mont Ventoux will be/was climbed in the following big tour stages:
:
on
Climb conditions
Mont Ventoux via Malaucene popularity rank : 3
The Mont Ventoux has been climbed by 225 climbbybikers. It is ranked No. 3 as the most climbed climb in the world.
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Mont Ventoux via Malaucene: 37 reviews
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Jan Kiep
Haaften, Nederland
From Malaucène we did the climb, beautiful road, little traffic, and also just more than spicy, and finally the magnificent view over the Provence, the weather was good, but at the top a huge wind.
Arthur
Nederland
This year, for the first time, I cycled up via Malaucène. In terms of intensity, this side is about the same as Bédoin. If you come from Bédoin, you have a good warm-up for Col de la Madeleine. Especially in the middle section between kilometres 9 and 14, there is a tough section! From Chalet Liotard to the top, I find it easy to do. My climbing time: 1h.52min.09sec.
Marrin
Kendal, United Kingdom
We made it up from the Malaucenne side. Took it nice and easy and stopped at the Chalet Liotard for a Crepe! The section just before this are ~4ks of unrelenting climb at about 10%. At the top the cloud cleared just before we got there so got the good views. But it was cold and windy so no time to hange around. The first bit of descent down to Chalet Renard was a bit windy and cold, but from there in down was lovely all the way to Bedoin. Great day out.
Michiel
Geldrop, Nederland
Did the climb on 29 April. Nice preparation. Weather perfect, 20 degrees, no wind. The middle part was killing. Last part was still closed to cars, so cycling was great. < br />
At the top of the mountain there was still some snow (not on the road).
Got to the top with a good feeling, took pictures, and quietly descended, first part so without cars all nice.
Michiel
Geldrop, Nederland
Did the climb on 29 April. Nice preparation. Weather perfect, 20 degrees, no wind. The middle part was killing. Last part was still closed to cars, so cycling was great. < br />
At the top of the mountain there was still some snow (not on the road).
Got to the top with a good feeling, took pictures, and quietly descended, first part so without cars all nice.
neil millen
exeter, United Kingdom
Painful!!
This ascent was by far the hardest of the three I climbed last weekend. With little traffic, few other cyclists, roadside spectators or other distractions this was a long hard climb that seemed unrelenting! Road signs advising 11%,12%,11%.....really gave the spirit a bashing and the enthusiasm of the first climb from Bedoin faded during the last few freezing, foggy kilometers. Made it in 2hr 35 mins - half hour slower than the Bedoin and Sault climbs.
Pete Mahon
Newmarket, United Kingdom
I climbed from Bedoin and found the initial 2-3 kms comfortable. You then turn a left hand bend and climb for the next 10-11 kms working your way through a wooded area. You finally come out of the woods with approx 6kms to go and it is the first time that you see the observatory. It was very quiet on the mountain only seeing about 10 riders on the ascent although it was 0830 in the morning. Provided the wind does not blow you slowly grind your way up to the top. I was using Campag Chorus 52/36 with 12-27 at the back, I did not need all of the gears. took 1hr 25. Going to do the Bicinglette next year. Enjoy, it is worth the journey.
Jan-Kees Verschuure
Nederland
I agree with many that the Malaucène-side (Ventoux-North) is the most beautiful and the toughest. The view in the middle of the climb is impressive and the climb remains tough until the top, unlike the classic Bédoin side. The part after Chalet Renard of that climb is a bit overrated,
Jan-Kees Verschuure
Nederland
I agree with many that the Malaucène-side (Ventoux-North) is the most beautiful and the toughest. The view in the middle of the climb is impressive and the climb remains tough until the top, unlike the classic Bédoin side. The part after Chalet Renard of that climb is a bit overrated,
Arnaud P
Rendeux, Belgium
Hello, let me introduce myself, my name is Arnaud, Belgian, 43 years old, 1.80m, 70kg.
Last July 1st 2013, I start confidently from Entrechaux (a small village near Vaison) for a 12 km warm-up ... arrival in Malaucène at 9:20 am, 25°C not too windy ... ideal weather. Here we go for 21,2 km of climbing ... first 5 km in 20 min not bad ... I continue without forcing to arrive in the hardest part; the 3 km which follow one another at 12, 11 and 10% on wide and straight roads ... a horror ... the speedometer is close to 10 km/h but does not go below (question of pride!). ) ... this part finished, there is still some way to go but everything seems easier ... I reach the top a little before 11am, a total time of 1h38min ... 14 minutes better than the previous year.
At the beginning of August, I will try the climb via Bédoin followed, if the physical condition allows it, by a climb via Sault.
As with every time I reach the summit, an immense pleasure overcomes me... as long as it lasts!
Daniel Van Buggenhout
Londerzeel, België
I wrestled myself up the Sault side. 122 kilos, 60 years and with an ordinary bike that also weighs 15 kg. < Who does better? :-) But first I trained 2.000 km of course,
movies on Youtube under littleSpookyDave, statistics on Garmin Connect under Fietserke_Lippelo. Greetings.
florent
le crestet, France
I was 30 years old and I did a climb of Mont Ventoux in 56 minutes. So I left with a new generation road bike, where in the tube there was a very small electric motor that could develop...400 watts that could be recharged while pedaling or on the downhill. But what I didn't expect was that from the beginning I had to use this technology. And at the belvedere, I used all the energy and found myself making the real effort. All this to tell you that now having 20 years more, I climb the Alpe d'Huez in 31 minutes (Pantani used to climb in 37 minutes). I ride at about 23km/H and go to work every day by bike at 31km, which is 62km per day. But I would like to buy a bike where all this is not visible. A+
Yves Debaus
Hombeek, België
Although most people here prefer the Bédoin side, I find the ascent from Malaucène more attractive. Quieter, more beautiful and at least as tough. I have climbed quite a few "climbs" in the Alps, but nowhere have I suffered as much as on the Ventoux. Not so much because of the gradients in itself, but especially the combination of climb and heat is difficult. Start early in the morning is my advice. < Br>In terms of natural beauty, I prefer the Alps. But of course that is personal taste.
Harold Kollen
hardenberg, Overijssel, The Netherlands
At the end of september still summer we camped at vaison. There were the three of us, young god's from Holland
Middle aged and in the force of our lives
We had a few day's of acclimatising and the fourth day we went up.
Incredible 20 degrees celcius, enough water and gel's
and then the descent to Bedoin. What a speed. We were flying!
Next year we''ll do it again and then 3 times at one day
malaucene, bedoin and sault. See you
Huys Freddy
België
Am 64. Already climbed the bald mountain seven times. Best time (from Bédoin) 1.42 h. I am quite proud of it. Gear 39/23.
Alpe d'Huez more difficult.
Jan Loos
Vlijmen, The Netherlands
On 13 September 2011, the time had come. A few days beforehand, I went up the mountain by car. Wow, it was high and far, will it work. It was a beautiful day and it went very well without having run in. The last few kilometres were the toughest. Completely on top in 2h10 min.
Ted Vesters
Nederland
Last week I climbed the bald mountain from Malaucène. Very nice, but very tough climb. Directly after the 2nd kilometre it goes up to 9%. Then you can catch your breath, but at about half of the climb is the toughest part with some km well above 10%, there you long for average 7.5%. < At the end it gets a little easier, with a spicy last 2 km. In the end, I did not reach the top in 1 hour 50 min.
jmm73
aix les bains, France
Climb on July 30, 2011 via Malaucène. Nice weather, little wind. 2h28.Conseil. Warm up before attacking, otherwise it can get stuck at the beginning and attack quietly...few breaks, Personally a particularly difficult passage around the 10th km where we are facing a beautiful straight line of more than 10%...for about 3 km. Bobo to the legs and to the head. As we approach Mont Serein, it calms down, so take advantage of this to recover, as you might think it's won. But no, about 3 km from the hard part. 7a9%. Then the end of the pass for the last 2 or 3 km from the rocky outcrop, true happiness, like on postcards. The landscape, the satisfaction and the pride of having done it. A lot of cyclists at the top with their families. A nice atmosphere and ambiance. then a nice descent, wide and well maintained road... good climb...
Horatio
France
Climbed by Malaucène on July 22nd 2011, in 2h08. The hardest part is the passage after the belvedere. For almost 4 km, there is no respite, nor really any bends. The arrival on Mont Serein allows you to recover. Afterwards, it's hard too, but you get closer to the summit, which helps in the head. The kilometre markers that indicate the percentage of the next kilometre are a useful aid. Be careful, there are 300m more than indicated to reach the top. On the same north side, the descent is a real pleasure, wide road and asphalt in very good condition.
Luuk Coopmans
Nederland
Friday, 3 June 2011, I climbed a high mountain for the first time. For the first time we climbed a mountain higher than 1000 meters and it was beautiful. The side of Malaucène is definitely worth it. The climbing was hard but I had a good time for the first time namely 1 hour and 24 minutes. I will certainly try to improve this because I am only 16 years old. Finally, I would like to point out the difficulties in the descent. Someone in our group almost fell into the ravine. The road was wet so we had to be careful. If you have never done the downhill before you have to watch out for the 10% section, 4km down. You can drive 100 km/h there if you want to, but then suddenly there is a hairpin bend and if you don't know about it, you're on your own. I wish everyone a nice climb.