Mont Ventoux

Mont Ventoux, (to interpret to English, "WindyFriday 13th, his wife too, and so maybe Friday, stage 13
Mountain") is situated in the Provencal Region of thewould be lucky for him too. But it was not to be. Tom
South of France. It is an awesome sight at 1909was still suffering with the after effects of his stomach
metres above the sea - it can be seen from almostupset and collapsed with heat exhaustion from a
anywhere in Provence. And from the summit, one canblazing 100 degrees in the shade - and there was no
enjoy magnificent panoramic views.shade. It was subsequently discovered that he was
Mont Ventoux is officially a part of the Alps but it isalso cycling on a cocktail of alcohol and amphetamines,
often considered separate from the Alps because ofthe favoured stimulant drug of athletes of all kinds at
the distance between it and the other mountains ofthat time. And so, the Mont Ventoux, is now famous,
the Alps. Nevertheless, on a clear day, one can seeas is Tom himself. The Tour de France race of 1967
other mountains in the Alps range clearly from thewas won by a Spanish competitor, Julio Jiminez.
summit of Mont Ventoux.There is now a memorial to Tom Simpson at the very
Mont Ventoux is well know for the Tour de Francespot where he died on Mont Ventoux, just 1.5 km from
cycle race - it has been ascended 13 times by thethe summit. Literally thousands of cyclists come to pay
Tour de France race competitors since 1951. Perhapstheir respects each year, and many leave their cycle
because of this, or perhaps just for the sheertyres draped over the memorial in homage to the
challenge, many thousands of cyclists climb Montgreat Tom Simpson! I have seen it many times myself
Ventoux by bicycle each year. There are three- however, my favoured method of climbing the great
principal routes:-mountain is by car or motorcycle!
• The South Route from Bedouin - 21.1 kmBut the story of the Mont Ventoux and Tom Simpson
• The North Route from Malaucene - 20.6 kmdoes not end there, for in 1997, Tom's daughter
• The East Route from Sault - 19.6 kmfinished what Tom was unable to do - she ascended
All three villages at the foot of the Mount Ventoux arethe Mont Ventoux by bicycle for herself - Bravo My
delightful in themselves, and my particular favourite isGirl!
Bedouin.This mountain is indeed a spectacle and a very special
It was a tragic year for the Tour de France in 1967,beauty. During the summer months, there is nothing
when Tom Simpson, an English competitor, collapsednicer that to take a picnic with you to the magical
and died from heart failure a mere 1.5 km from the topmountain, and enjoy the many walks and trails. And in
of Mont Ventoux, at the age of only 29. It was thethe winter, one can ski or sledge on the majestic
thirteenth stage of that year's race. Tom was in 5thsnowy slopes of Mont Ventoux. As for cycling the
position, despite having suffered a stomach upset inMont Ventoux, that is something I will leave to the
the previous weeks. Tom was optimistic about theprofessionals, and to the memory of Tom. Mind you,
Mont Ventoux climb. He had previously said that hisTom's daughter, in cycling up Mont Ventoux in 1997 is
lucky number was 13 - his daughter had been born onan inspiration in herself!