Mont Ventoux - GCN's Epic Climbs

Mont Ventoux is one of the most legendary climbs in cycling.

The climb of Mont Ventoux starts gently before the gradient kicks after 7km. Famous for it's unforgiving, exposed nature, once you emerge from the woods around halfway up, you're at the mercy of the elements with potential for high wind speeds and baking heat.

The Ventoux has seen more than its fair share of drama thanks to its often-decisive role in the Tour de France. Tom Simpson, the first ever British yellow jersey wearer, tragically died on the slopes.

If you like the video, don't forget to give it a like!

About GCN:

The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic summit of the Stelvio to the epic trails of Fort William, Scotland, everywhere there is pavé or dirt, world-class racing, and pro riders, we will be there bringing you all the action, essential analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year.

Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling

Leave us a comment below!

Music licensed by Cue Songs

[ivosmo]

In case somebody is still wondering what music is used in this video - in order of appearance

Lowb - Compassion
Submotion Orchestra - Always
Ink Project - Rewind Forward Replay

[JesseReith]

I rode my bike upon the Ventoux last Saturday, starting in Bedoin. It is though, indeed! The descent to Sault is breathtaking. 

[Pavlos]

Climbed it 3 weeks ago. Really want to do it again, the feeling when arriving at the top, indescribable. I think i could write a novel about it.

[MotörheadMickey]

ahhh the Ventoux. i rode the giant of provance last year at the end of my summer training camp. i say training camp, i mean family holiday :-)
one of the best days on the bike. hands down my favourite mountain.

[petinka]

Mount Ventoux is the first real mountain I ride uphill but I done that digital and not in real yet. I really enjoy GCN:s vintage videos!

[andrewbingham]

I completed this epic on the 25th of August in 1 hour 50 minutes - it's an amazing climb, the descent goes on and on. In summer best do it very early morning, I started at 7.45

[EeroSoralahti]

Thanks for the training motivation! Now I remember again what I'm grinding for...

[TheLastFraudster]

I'm shattered just watching this. I reckon you've gotta be superhuman to fly up these mountains like the pros do.

[WrexelsWorld]

Looking forward to more epic climbs with Dan... Great video and host who makes it seem like the viewer is coming along for the ride and awesome awesome music as well...

[kwacker]

Forgot to say great upload in what is becoming a firm favourite amongst the subs. Nothing like watching others suffer on the climbs whilst eating a biscuit with a wee cup of tea

[Ahapenootjes]

I rode it up on my mountainbike last year, I must admit a was quite a bit slower and really happy I had a few lighter gears!

By the way, when descending be careful for animals on the road. During my descend I came across two sleeping dogs in the middle of the road, a few km's later I found the sheep they were supposed to herd, also on the road :')

I also thoroughly enjoyed the mountain bike trails around the region, incomparable to what I'm used to at home. In hindsight I found the official black MTB trail going up to about half way of the Mt. Ventoux far harder compared to riding up to the top on tarmac. The black trail also has a section that goes up by around 10% or maybe even more for over 15km's. However it is far harder and often impossible to get and stay in a nice rhythm. I think that is what makes to climbing of the Mt. Ventoux both doable and hard. It wasn't hard to find a nice rhythm which I could sustain for a long time, but I also knew in the back of my head there would be no recuperation for the next few hours.

[abedfo]

Dan you are like a fine wine, you just keep getting better! 

[oritorbiner]

even while climbing up Mont Ventoux Dan was sweating less than simon

[bunkerman]

Nice touch leaving the bottle at Tom Simpson's memorial. You are a good sport Dan.

[WingTipAerialFilming]

Another great climb video, thanks Dan. In a couple of days time I am attempting an 'Everesting' here in NZ and will be wearing my GCN kit. It's good to know you prefer compact gearing as that;s what I've got.

[VeejayRampay]

You guys should tackle Grossglockner in Austria as part of this ongoing series. It looks like a tough, yet beautiful climb.

[yfjtipq]

Can we have a compilation video of Dan passing people like a boss?

[Abnsdllnnlosnfd]

The first part in the forest is the more difficult one - physically (steeper) and mentally (pretty monotonous). The second part is easier cause you`re so distracted by the lunar landscape that you don´t focus on the pain.

[treyquattro]

what a frickin' fantastic video. Very inspirational & cool music too

[dpie]

Been there, done that. Tough climb for sure and very exposed for strong winds and hot sun.