why you shouldn’t miss the 11th stage, with the double ascent of Ventoux

This is the day that all cycling enthusiasts have checked on this Tour de France 2021. The queen stage of this Grande Boucle takes place on Wednesday, with the terrible Mont Ventoux on the program. To celebrate the return of the “Giant of Provence”, which the peloton had not climbed since 2016, the organizers have reserved a nice surprise (less good for the runners), with an unprecedented double ascent. The yellow jersey Tadej Pogacar, relentless since taking power, could have the opportunity to assert his superiority a little more and knock out his rivals a little more. Here’s why you absolutely have to watch this 11th step.

Because a double ascent of Ventoux is unprecedented (and terribly hard)

To add to the difficulty of this key stage, the double ascent is preceded by the Col de la Liquière, classified in the first category. The runners will then join Sault and begin the first climb to the top of Ventoux (22 km at 5.1%), at an altitude of 1910 meters. “During the first ascent, even if the start of the climb is smoother, a team will surely try to impose a rhythm to eliminate rivals”, anticipates Enric Mas, the rider of the Movistar. Then the race will draw a loop to approach the Ventoux a second time from the south and the classic slope from Bédoin (15.7 km at 8.8%). This is where things will get tough, as this ascent puts a strain on the bodies. “By Bédoin, it is very difficult, often a furnace”, comments the Frenchman Pierre Rolland. “A survival exercise”, even adds Enric Mas. The arrival will however not be judged at altitude but at the village of Malaucène, after a descent of 22 kilometers.

Because there are always great moments in Ventoux

The ascent of Ventoux conceals moments of bravery and drama that have entered the legend of the Tour de France. In 1967, the Briton Tom Simpson was killed there, after a malaise caused by the heat, the absence of water and a massive intake of amphetamines. To pay homage to him, a stele has even been installed between Chalet Reynard and the summit. Less tragic, the “Giant of Provence” was also the scene of many sporting exploits.

In 2013, Chris Froome crucified Alberto Contador and Nairo Quintana there to afford a prestigious victory on the road to his first title. Three years later, the Briton had been the protagonist of one of the strong images of recent years, when he had broken his bike by hitting a motorcycle blocked by the crowd massed on the slopes. The yellow jersey then had to run for a few meters, while waiting to receive a new bike, a scene as surreal as it was striking. All the more reason not to miss this step.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVveYMkc420

Because there is still something at stake … behind Pogacar

Let’s not overplay the suspense of this Tour de France: barring a catastrophe, like a heavy fall, first place seems promised to Tadej Pogacar. The yellow jersey, which crushed the time trial and the first two mountain stages, could even afford a prestigious victory on the slopes of Ventoux.

Its superiority is so striking that it arouses suspicion among observers, some not hesitating to draw a comparison with the Lance Armstrong years. The young Slovenian, who faces many questions, said he “didn’t know what to do to prove (s) innocence”. Behind him, there is still a lot at stake for the podium. The Ecuadorian Richard Carapaz, the climber of Ineos, should for example have a good card to play to climb up the general classification (he is 5th at 5 minutes 33 from Pogacar).

Because we hope for a French victory

As for the French, only Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) and David Gaudu (Groupama-FDJ) are in the top 10, in 9th and 10th place. The two climbers necessarily aim to win a prestigious victory, but do they have the means? They will have to be very strong to succeed Richard Virenque, the last French winner at Ventoux, in 2002.