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Mountain peak with a tower text reads: 'GUIDE RIDE VENTOUX'.

My First Tour de France Experience: Mont Ventoux Magic

Despite working in the cycling industry for a decade, I had never witnessed a stage of the Tour de France firsthand, so when the opportunity arose to watch the Mont Ventoux stage at this year's Tour, I jumped at the chance.

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The Day Before: Conquering the Giant

With the stage scheduled for Tuesday, our group decided to tackle the ascent on Monday. I had only climbed Ventoux once before, in June the previous year, so I was eager to break my personal best on the Strava segment from Bédoin. We were blessed with near-perfect weather conditions.

Given the varying abilities within our group, we shared one final espresso before setting off at our own pace, planning to reunite at the summit. The climb was packed with riders from around the world, all sharing the same goal: to experience this brute of a mountain before the professionals tackled it the following day. It showcased cycling at its finest. There are few other sports where amateurs can experience the same arena as the professionals.

The Day Before: Conquering the Giant

With the stage scheduled for Tuesday, our group decided to tackle the ascent on Monday. I had only climbed Ventoux once before, in June the previous year, so I was eager to break my personal best on the Strava segment from Bédoin. We were blessed with near-perfect weather conditions.

Given the varying abilities within our group, we shared one final espresso before setting off at our own pace, planning to reunite at the summit. The climb was packed with riders from around the world, all sharing the same goal: to experience this brute of a mountain before the professionals tackled it the following day. It showcased cycling at its finest. There are few other sports where amateurs can experience the same arena as the professionals.

Group of cyclists celebrating with trophies, wearing colorful outfits and hats.

Race Day: The Ultimate Spectacle

If the previous day was anything to go by, we knew finding the perfect viewing spot would be chaotic. Facing a marathon day, with riders not expected until 4:30 PM and our 9 AM departure from the villa, we loaded our rucksacks with spectating essentials: beers, baguettes, and everything else needed to survive eight hours on the mountain.

The question was how far up we would need to cycle to find the ideal viewing spot. That spot turned out to be another 1,000 meters of vertical climbing. After already ascending over 2,000 meters the day before, it was certainly a slog to reach our destination.

Despite our fatigue, the atmosphere was electric once we arrived. Everyone around us was in party mode, soaking up the anticipation of witnessing one of sport's greatest spectacles. Time flew by surprisingly quickly. Once the Tour Caravan had passed, showering us with promotional paraphernalia, we knew the riders were approaching.

Collage of cyclists in action, a tower, and spectators at a cycling event.

The Moment of Truth

The whirring helicopter blades circling overhead signal led that the riders were moments away. First to pass was Mas, followed by Ben Healy's group and Pogačar's group. The crowd's roar was deafening as spectators shouted encouragement with every pedal stroke. It was fascinating to see the suffering etched on the riders' faces, proof that even the professionals feel the pain of this monster climb.

After these lead groups passed, we waited for the remaining riders, most arriving in smaller clusters. It was brilliant to see Geraint Thomas in the peloton, looking as relaxed as if he were on a Sunday social ride with friends.

The Descent: A Different Kind of Challenge

Once the final rider passed with the broom wagon close behind, it was time to descend. To say I was apprehensive would be an understatement. Imagine cycling down a mountain alongside thousands of other riders of varying abilities, some of whom had been drinking on the mountain for several hours. Despite witnessing a few crashes on the way down, our entire group made it back safely.

We soft pedalled back to the villa for more 'refreshments' and to reminisce about the amazing day we had just witnessed. After ten years in the cycling industry, experiencing the Tour de France firsthand proved every bit as exciting as I had imagined.

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