Riders tackle the legendary Mont Ventoux MyZA

Mont Ventoux. Photo: Will

Today the Tour de France Stage 15 features a mountain top finish atop one of the toughest and most unique climbs in all cycling: the legendary Mont Ventoux.

The summit of Ventoux is one of the windiest places on earth. In 1967 speeds of 313 km/h were measured there.

Ventoux was originally covered in trees, but major deforestation began as far back as the 12th century to support ship building in the coastal town of Toulon.

As in much of the Alps, this unrestrained deforestation left Ventoux almost completely barren. It was not until the second half of the 19th century that “reforestation” programs began. Now, below 1500 metres, most of the mountain is wooded.

A meteorological observatory was first built at the summit in 1882. It came into disuse after WW1. In 1968 a new meteorological building was constructed. It is also a television broadcast tower.

The first road to the summit was opened in 1885. The first timed ascent by bicycle took 2 hours 29 minutes (1908).

The fastest recorded time up Ventoux was set during the Dauphiné Libére in 2004 by Iban Mayo during a Contre-la-Montre: 55 minutes 51 seconds.

The 2013 Tour will ride the classic Bédoin side. At 21.5 kilometres and 1610 metres of ascent it averages 7.5%.

2013 will be the 15th Tour de France appearance of Mont Ventoux.

Mont Ventoux is an amazing place to cycle or to hold a Tour stage. In part because it is a very difficult climb, and in part for it’s deadly Tour de France history, but I think far more so for its sheer uniqueness. Especially at dawn. – Podium Café