Dauphiné Ventoux Race Report
by Willj on Jun 11, 2009 6:18 PM EDT
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PrintA quick race report before I go to bed - tired!
My plan was simple. Start in Bedoin, cycle up Mont Ventoux and watch the race near the top.
I cycle uphill quite a bit, but this climb is hard! Really hard. Still, it's always fun to cycle a big climb on a race day. People were parked and picnicking along the entire route - so cyclists (of all shapes and speeds - and disproportionately Belgium and Dutch) received lots of friendly support. I think I looked pretty awful as 3 times I was offered a glass of wine. Strangely I turned down all the offers.
Ventoux means windy, and it was seriously windy and as I made it up to Chalet Reynard where the forest disappears the gusts were occasionally slightly concerning .
View about 7.5 kms from top:
A quick stop at the Tom Simpson memorial, a peek at the top, and then I went scouting for a viewing spot.
I settled just below the last hairpin about 250 metres from finish. This gave me pretty sweet views below, as well as a straight stretch of road as they approached. A guy on the loud-speaker kept us informed of the break aways and positions of riders, so we knew what to expect as the helicopters and riders appeared.
I totally screwed up the Valverde photo. Bizarrely, I didn't realize Valverde didn't win. I was so close to the finish that I just assumed he did as he seemed safe when he passed us - but wow that last hairpin is steep - must have been exciting on TV.
Valverde: Still leading perhaps 200 metres from finish:
Szmyd (blowing nose?)
Zubeldia (i think?):
Gesink:
There were riders all over the road, and as often happens it took a long time for them all to finish. It was a little strange being only 250 metres from the finish, we could hear but not see the podium announcements - even as we knew most riders (2 grupettos worth) hadn't finished.
Millar? What is he doing near the front?
Some seemed in great pain;
First Grupetto (I guess it's not really a grupetto then?). Go Canada!!
Boonen and some others for sale .......
PS - as a final great touch. The Gendarmes blocked all cars from descending so I got a car free descent for most of the way - I assume this was for the benefit of cyclists and to avoid an accident as I am pretty sure the pro teams descended down the back side.
I almost crashed from the strong wind passing the Col des Tempetes (Storm Pass) a couple of kilometres from the summit. Yikes - I would walk this stretch next time if this windy!
Anyway, a fun practice Ventoux stage - but I expect the Tour de France stage to be MUCH crazier with fanatics like Albertina on the slopes.
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Must not let
Envy surpass appreciation…
Amazing stuff Will
"I get paid to hurt other people. How good is that? How good is that?
I get paid to make other people suffer on my wheel, that's good." Jens!
+1
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
So let me get this straight, Will...
You were perched next to the road at the summit of Mont Ventoux in the space where Szmyd was having his brief mechanical/brain bubble and briefly lost contact with Valverde, who was looking around for him?
Envy>appreciation…
Abruzziamo!
by Chris Fontecchio on Jun 11, 2009 7:12 PM EDT reply actions
Or ride it yourself
"Where there’s a will, there’s a way.": Alberto Contador, shortly after waking up from brain surgery.
p.s.
I have to say, after hating the Garmin kits all year, that they look nice in the clear sunshine.
Abruzziamo!
by Chris Fontecchio on Jun 11, 2009 7:12 PM EDT reply actions
I love the Garmin Canada shirt (see above)
and I am sure the PdC experts can tell me why this one is green:
(so lots of kit choices)
sometimes life is a false flat
Yeah I agree, the Canada one is nice.
Pretty nice race for Millar so far, I didn’t see that one coming either. Maybe he’s getting his mojo back, he is a pretty talented guy after all.
Thanks for the great report as always.
by plinytheelder on Jun 11, 2009 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Dan Martin no?
his one last year was better, it had four leaf clovers all over it, made me want to be Irish
The rightmost painting in the bottom picture is absolutely awesome
…and it’s awesome that you posted this as well.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Jun 11, 2009 9:34 PM EDT reply actions
Love the pictures
and your stories. Very envious!
Now, I didn’t even notice that picture on the far right until you guys pointed it out! I guess, I was too focused on the Boonen pictures. haha I’m going to wash my eyes now. ;-)
by cyclingdiva on Jun 12, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
it looks like Cadel is smiling right at you!
More like he’s wishing you’d get out of the road with that damn camera.
Great stuff Will!
I always love reading your posts on your blog of your climbs and these bring even more smiles filled with pics of our favorite riders. Huge thanks!
Zoe… I’m thinking Cadel was looking at him, thinking, “hey… I remember you from a few weeks ago mate.” ha ha!
I love C, not because he rocks as a cyclist, but because deep down he's a band geek! LOL!
Looking at those views
makes me want to go to the PdC chapel every day to light a candle and pray to Tourbecco that the Tour is still undecided when they hit the bottom of that climb.
You realize...
Tourbecco isn’t interested in candles. You have to sacrifice Chickens, at least.
Tourbecco
notes your devotion, and is impressed.
Abruzziamo!
by Chris Fontecchio on Jun 12, 2009 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I have made an offering at Lourdes
I placed a wire bicycle at the feet of the Virgin Mary and gathered some holy water from the holy cave for Tourbecco’s water bottle.
sometimes life is a false flat
You are the man. :-)
I love your signature too!
I love C, not because he rocks as a cyclist, but because deep down he's a band geek! LOL!
Great pics.... and I know I will be suffering soon....
This is reminding me that I won’t be at the TdF this year. Arggggghhhhhh… and I’ll be having 3 weeks of late nites, and many many bottles of wine… ’
But need to keep positive …. Oh crap… it sux
"the rest was over 30. And that doesn't mean old and useless, but experienced and with the stamina"
Jens! Voigt, Crit Intl Interview, 2009
Lol! But you'd better go to the Giro..
So much more filled u with action.. The Tour track sucks!
Crashdan: "Veni Vidi Vici beats Wing Kong Exchange... … and I’ll change my signature to a backwards smile for a month."
Frining "It's what he thinks.. But he always do.. I eat my shoe if he ride top 15 in le Tour" about Devolder
the Tour route's suckability
It does right?
Hmm Maybe I've underestimated the course..
First tt
Second tt
Crashdan: "Veni Vidi Vici beats Wing Kong Exchange... … and I’ll change my signature to a backwards smile for a month."
Frining "It's what he thinks.. But he always do.. I eat my shoe if he ride top 15 in le Tour" about Devolder
First mountain stage:
Fourth mountain stage
5th mountain stage
6th mountain stage
7th mountain stage
Third tt
Last mountain stage
Crashdan: "Veni Vidi Vici beats Wing Kong Exchange... … and I’ll change my signature to a backwards smile for a month."
Frining "It's what he thinks.. But he always do.. I eat my shoe if he ride top 15 in le Tour" about Devolder
Or have I killed the post now?
My point is.. There are a lot more stages who are worth watching.. First time I see that! And hooray for the ASO.. Put the last climb stage after the last TT.. Finally!
Crashdan: "Veni Vidi Vici beats Wing Kong Exchange... … and I’ll change my signature to a backwards smile for a month."
Frining "It's what he thinks.. But he always do.. I eat my shoe if he ride top 15 in le Tour" about Devolder
2009 Tour route
is awesome in my opinion.
I especially can’t wait for the Le Grand Bornand Stage – lots of very steep climbing.
and although being a mountain top finish – the final descent is short and fairly non-technical.
sometimes life is a false flat
Spectacular!
Thanks for posting! I’m really jealous. Have fun on the same mountain next month, eh?
Fantastic!
Thanks for the great report and photos. Ventoux looks seriously scary. If the race is still close, this could be the best Tour de France finale in years.
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