Riders will tackle two fully timed and ranked classic stages (110km and 140km) as well as a 21km Individual Time Trial. Each stage will culminate in one of the three ascents of Mont Ventoux from where riders will then descend back to Bédoin for the race village and rider services.

Although condensed into three days, the Haute Route Ventoux will feature the same premium services for riders as the full, seven-day, Haute Route events in the Pyrenees, Alps, Dolomites and at the inaugural Mavic Haute Route Rockies set to take place next summer in Colorado.

The imposing Mont Ventoux dominates the small town of Bédoin from where thousands of cyclists take on the famously tough southern ascent of the “Giant of Provence” every year.

A destination known for its relaxed lifestyle and welcoming population, Bédoin is easily accessed by rail from the TGV station in Avignon, by air from Marseille airport and by road via the motorway.

Luc Reynard, Mayor of Bédoin, welcomed his town’s partnership with the Haute Route Ventoux: “Being able to host the Haute Route in my town is a great honour. I am sure that it will be one of the highlights of the year in 2017,” he said. “Being right at the foot of the Ventoux, Bédoin is just perfect for this event. We can’t wait to welcome the peloton next October for a unique event on the roads of the inimitable Mont Ventoux.”

He added: “Climbing the Ventoux is like conquering the Holy Grail. Cyclists all around the world know that it is one of the ‘must ride’ climbs in Europe. As they make their way to the top, riders are able to write their name into the folklore of cycling and join the long list of champions who have conquered the Giant of Provence.”

Rémi Duchemin, Executive Director of OC Sport, organisers of the Haute Route, commented: “We are delighted with this partnership with Bédoin, the global capital for cycling. Enabling Haute Route Ventoux riders to spend three days in the same place is a key element of this new three-day concept. On top of being ideally located at the foot of Mont Ventoux, Bédoin has a number of high quality facilities that are perfect for welcoming the international Haute Route peloton.”