Mont Ventoux - Malaucene side
By Will • May 19th, 2007 • Category: Climbs, Cycling, Favorites
For the French long weekend, we drove to Provence staying in the beautiful medieval town of Avignon.
Friday I cycled up the legendary volcano Le Mont Ventoux. I have cycled ventoux before but never from the Malaucene side. This route is almost exactly the same difficulty as the more classic Bedoin route (21 kms, 1550 metres ascent) - this is a giant climb!
GPX File of Route
View Route in Google Earth
Click here for Mont Ventoux - Bedoin Side
Ventoux is a cycling mecca and there were bikers everywhere. It was hot and this was steep, but I felt pretty good, and the only person to pass me (at the very beginning) - I actually caught about 18 kilometres later - which was fun. With Doreen as a photographer and handing me spare water bottles I was the envy of the road.
There are long very steep stretches - hard work!
With About 7 kms to go, the tree line begins to end and the lunar top of the volcano begins.
Superb views.
The final kilometre - amazing environment.
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Will is Happiest while cycling uphill. More enthusiastic than talented, his 2009 Challenge is to cycle a 100 Cols (mountain passes) and lose a couple of pounds.
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[...] pretty chilly at the top. It was my third time up Ventoux this year - in May I climbed from Maulacene and from [...]
[...] Malaucene Side in May [...]
[...] cycled this side in May 2007. See here for more. There are long very steep stretches - despite not finishing at the top, this will still be [...]
I believe the Malaucene side is as heavy as the Bedoin side. I climbed the MV 12 times within 3 years time. Last year 3 times on 1 day and that was the first time I was faced with the Malaucene side which became in particular tough for 3 kilometers after 9 kilometers climbing. Then, after a few kilometers “rest” one has to squeeze out everything to reach the top. After this I climbed this side again 2 times and my opinion did not change. By the way: from Sault I climbed just once - hardly worth to mention it…
Personally found Maulaucene more comfortable mid-July 08 because of shade! A hard ascent even compared to Bedoin. 1hr53m -bonked half way-no food and only 500ml of water.
However adjusted pace and recoverd.
Enjoy!!!
Made it from Malaucene to the summit on 5th August this year. I cycle regularly, but had never attempted anything like this, and the reccy drive the day before put the fear in me!! Truly one of the greatest things i have ever done, completed on my brother’s 40th Birthday, with great views of Mont Blanc to inspire me - a summit he would reach by foot 2 days later. A mental and physical challenge, but one that has left me grinning still 2 weeks later. Looking forward to going back next year for the Bedouin route.