Each stage will start in Bédoin and finish with one of the three ascents of Mont Ventoux. Finishing atop the Géant de Provence, riders will be able to collect their race-bag at the summit prior to descending into Bédoin for the services of the Haute Route village.
Frenchman Nicolas Roux took part in the test-event last October and offered his opinion on the course:
“It’s going to be three days of discovery and excitement,” he explained.
“Each stage is different, and fantastic in its own way. Participants will ride through quaint French villages, beautiful gorges and some stunning orchards and farmlands. Finishing atop the Ventoux each day is the perfect cherry on top of the cake.” Riders will immediately be immersed in the heart of French Provence on Stage 1 as they snake through the picturesque towns of Venasque, Gordes and Roussilon.
Two cols are on the programme before the peloton takes on the eastern ascent of Ventoux from Sault. The Col des Trois Termes and Col de la Liguière offer a perfect introduction to the event on the first day.
Stage 2 is longer and tougher than the first day, with a total of 141km and 3,300m of climbing. On this long stage, the three cols of Aulan, Peyruergue and Ey will follow the initial twisting rise through the Gorges de la Nesque.
With a big day of riding already in the legs, riders will then be treated to the northern ascent of Ventoux from Malaucène. The first few kilometres average between 8% and 9%, and are followed by two deceptively steep kilometres averaging 12% and 13% respectively. A short plateau near the ski resort of Mont Serein should provide some respite before the final 6km of road leading to the famous antenna atop Mont Ventoux.
Sunday is Individual Time Trial day on the inaugural Haute Route Ventoux. Riders will be treated to a third climb of this iconic cycling mountain, this time from the famous town of Bédoin. The first 6km is quite easy rolling, but once you reach Saint Estève the road ramps up to a consistent 8-10% all the way to the summit. The final 6km stretch from Chalet Reynard to the top will be true test of grit and determination as it is exposed to the wind and riders will be contending with accumulated fatigue from the first two previous days.
Not registered yet? Don’t miss out and sign up
here. The last few places are available at the final price point of 695€.
The Haute Route Ventoux will benefit from a single race village location and will feature all the key ingredients that make Haute Route events unique with amateur riders being treated like pros. Participants will benefit from safety, mechanical and medical support on the road, massages and a rider’s meal after racing and full logistical support meaning that the focus is exclusively on the riding.
Riders will be able to book their own accommodation thanks to the numerous options available (hotels, holiday homes, gîtes etc…) in and around the town of Bédoin.
