A solitary, barren peak that rises 6,266 feet out of the lavender, sunflowers and vast vinyards of Provence, Le Mont Ventoux is one of cycling's most mysterious and merciless rulers. The average grade for the entire climb is 7.5% but this is deceiving. There are 3 distinct sections on the climb out of Bedoin. The first 5.5km average just 4%. The section from St. Esteve to Chalet Reynard is 9.5km at 8,9 and 10%. The last 6km are slightly easier, but exits the forrest and is exposed to the elements, most notably the angry, often cold Mistral wind - strong enough to push cyclists into the rocks lining the road. The last 1.5km is back up to 10%.
In today's ride, we will be riding up Mont Ventoux. We will be focusing on both the lone rider at the back of the group as he suffers up the face of the mountain, and the front breakaway of two riders hoping to win the stage. Switching focus from the back riders to the front, we will enact the story as it unfolds. A great exercise to use those visulisation skills - this is fun and a real tough climb!
J'aurais Bien Voulu - Babylon Circus
Warm up
Tour de France - Kapt'n Anda feat. Matrous K1000
Warm up (continued).
Alive - Kate Ryan
NEAR THE FRONT: Road tips upwards - mild climb, fairly fast cadence.
Mal - Johnny Hallyday
AT THE BACK: You are feeling the pain - wishing it was over!
Sous le Soleil de Bodega - Les Negresses Vertes
NEAR THE FRONT: Nearing the village of St. Esteve - it will start to go steep soon. Hard pace.
Tu Es Foutu (Harlem Hustler Club Mix) - In-grid
AT THE BACK: 10% grade!
Optimistique-moi (Junior Jack Psycho Vocal Mix) - Mylene Farmer
NEAR THE FRONT: The chasing pack increase the pace - catching up with the 2 at the front. Standing climb.
Le ciel est Triste - Emou
AT THE BACK: Emerge from the forrest into the exposed Mistral wind. Out of the saddle to maintain cadence.
Breathless - SBP
NEAR THE FRONT: To the finish line - constant attacks of power to the end.
Bolero - Moulin Rouge Soundtrack
AT THE BACK: We forgot the guys at the back! He's aching and hurts. But he's almost home...
La Bas - Natasha St. Pier
Cool down.
No comments:
Post a Comment