A POSTCARD OF PROVENCE

98 km / 2300 M+

Stage one of the Haute Route Ventoux will kick off in Bédoin, located in the beautiful Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France.

The first climb of the day is not one you´ll forget quickly, from Venasque you will head to the Col de Murs where you will ride in the winding Gorges de la Nesque – a real sight to see. At 10.5km long and with an average gradient of 4.3% - this is one that will challenge you from the get-go.

After the exit from Murs the col shows its true character, it winds between the rocks in a Gorge where winds and turns. Take a moment at the end of the col to look back at what you have accomplished so far. From Murs, you will enter the Parc Naturel du Luberon, which shows off the true beauty of the Provence countryside and its quiet rolling roads and picturesque lavender fields.

As you traverse through narrow roads, enjoy the moment of tranquillity before you head to not one but two epic climbs: Col de la Ligne and Col de la Liguière from Saint-Saturnin-lès-Apt, before you head back north toward Sault where you will start the final climb of the day - the Mont Ventoux. End the day at an altitude of 1,417 metres, on the southern face of Mont Ventoux in Chalet Reynard, just 5KM from the Giant Provence, giving you a little taster of what´s to come on the second and final day of the 3-day race.

A CLIMB TO REMEMBER

95km / 2500m d+

As Stage Two sets off, you will head towards the famous Dentelles de Montmirail - a small chain of mountains located just to the south of the village of Vaison-la-Romaine. They are foothills of the highest peak in Provence, Mont Ventoux, which is situated just to the east. Lookout for the dramatically jagged shape of their peaks.

Next, is the return of the Col de la Chaine at 2.8km long and bridging 170 vertical meters with an average gradient of 6.1%, it´ll lead you to the town of Malaucène. Take a moment to re-fuel as you prepare for the 21km-long ascent ahead. With an average gradient of 7.5%, this climb is all about pacing yourself, at around the halfway point, the road kicks up to 11% for three kilometres. This straight section of road may challenge you but all will be worth it as the road flattens out to four percent for the following few kilometres. In true Mont Ventoux style, the final kilometres ramp up again, rising above eight percent to test you on this famous climb that has pushed many Tour de France legends to their limit.

RIDE LIKE A PRO

21km / 1600D+

End three epic days on the road on the ultimate high with a classic time trial. With a rolling start out of Bedoin, the first five kilometres should get your legs ready for the section ahead. After the hairpin bend at Saint-Estève, the average gradient kicks up to above 10% and will continue to challenge you for the next five kilometres. As you head towards Chalet Reynard the road begins to ease off before you take on the legendary six-kilometre section all of the way to the summit finish of the Giant of Provence. Get ready for the unbelievable feeling of crossing the finish line at 1,912m as you receive your Haute Route Ventoux medal, leaving you feeling like true pro.