Day 26, Stage 20
Montelimar – Mont Ventoux, 167km
Today is a biggie that we have all been hanging for as it ends with a climb up to the famous (and massive) Mont Ventoux in what is the hardest ever penultimate stage of the Tour de France. Usually stage 20 is a short time trial but this year, as an additional twist, the organisers have thrown in Ventoux.
We were really excited to pit ourselves against the mighty Ventoux and relieved that this is the last day of climbing for the tour, and when complete, we will only have a flat roll into Paris to finish our mission.
The weather has continued to challenge us right to the end with a very hot and windy day and a maximum temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. I would take this weather any day though over the rain, wind and cold we had through the Alps.
Dale getting angry with an innocent bumblebee
There were 4 climbs to negotiate before we even reached the base of Ventoux and we didn’t do ourselves any favours by taking a wrong turn early and riding over a bigger hill then we were meant to for the first climb of the day.
We could see the Ventoux summit for hours before we even reached the base of it because we had to actually circle it to climb it from the far side. We slowly circled Ventoux in the very hot and windy conditions and made it to the top of the second last climb in good shape despite the extreme heat.
It was a very cautious descent down the final mountain before Ventoux as it was extremely windy and every time I let go of the brakes it felt like I was going to be blown off the bike. We didn’t want any injuries on the second last stage. Having said this Marika was very lucky to escape a fall during the final stretch before Ventoux as she blew a tyre at 37kph.
We were all excited to finally reach the final climb and be on the famous Mont Ventoux. My legs have been getting heavier over the past few days so my plan was to just find a rhythm and make my way up as best as I could. The higher I climbed the sadder I got because I knew it was nearly all over. After reflecting for a while about the ride to date I ended up finding myself in a real zone and started to feel really comfortable. As I surged higher towards the desolate and lonely summit I was averaging 12 to 14kph which is unheard of for me on a climb. I’d left Dale and Marika and both support cars behind earlier and there was absolutely no traffic so it felt like I was alone on the mountain in the afternoon sun and it just felt really great to be in my own little world.
Damian’s Ventoux Video Diary
When I finished the climb I was quite satisfied with my effort and happy that we only have one stage remaining.
I’d bought some paint earlier this morning to write Marika’s name on the road near the summit of the climb (a Tour de France tradition) to motivate her to finish the final climb strongly (and I thought she would appreciate the gesture). I set about scribbling her name on the road with my limited artistic ability (today’s photos will highlight this) and waited for her to reach the top.
Dale was first to pass. I cheered him to the summit where he promptly got off his bike and placed it in a rubbish bin on the summit indicating that he was over riding for a little while!
Then as the sun was setting a beautiful pink on the horizon Marika made her way past the “Allez Marika” sign on the road. I ran alongside her with an Aussie flag (another Tour de France tradition) for a photo as I thought she would be impressed with the effort. However, she was a little tired after the big climb and her only response as I ran alongside her was - “Get out of my summit photo. Don’t ruin this for me.” She looked serious so I got out of the way!
Stage 20: On The Road
We took plenty of photos of Marika as she crossed the line and you couldn’t get the smile off her face. She only took up riding to spend more time with me and had never climbed a hill until she did Mt Hotham in January (only 6 months ago) and now she’s climbed every summit of the 2009 Tour de France so I think there is plenty for her to smile about.
We posed for a few summit photos before it got dark and headed off for the hotel.
When the real tour gets here the 2009 winner will be revealed.
I won’t mention any names but the quote of the day as we rode past a “Gendarmerie” sign this morning was “haven’t we been to Gendarmerie already”?
For the Melbourne riders: we were reflecting on the entire course profile on our drive to the hotel and we think that there were only 3 times for the whole tour where we encountered flat straight stretches of road like Beach Rd where you could open up and just go as fast as you could.
Crohn’s Fact
Funds are required for vital research to find a cure, and national support services for those living with Crohn’s Disease. You can donate at www.everydayhero.com.au/crohnscrusader
Crohn’s Profile
Name: John C. Scott
Age: 39
Lives: Colchester, Ontario, Canada
Age of Diagnosis: 14
My Story:
I have been living with Crohn’s Disease for over 25 years. I have been on almost every conceivable treatment including 4 major surgeries, with my last being in 2006. The disease has certainly been a challenge for me over the years, but I find that it has never stopped me, just slowed me down from achieving my goals and ambitions in life! I am thankful to have not been on any meds for the last 2 years and have recently started changing both my diet and exercise programs in hopes that I stay in remission forever! With my country of Canada having the highest rates of incidence of IBD in the world, I volunteer passionately with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada and look forward to the day when we find the cure and no one has to suffer any longer.
My message:
I encourage you to volunteer with your local charity which is dedicated to helping others with IBD. We can all help Damian by generously donating on the Crohn’s Crusaders site as well as telling others about his incredible feat of raising awareness and funds for IBD. He is an inspiration to all of us who live with these diseases everyday…..GO DAMIAN! Thanks for your help and support of Crohn’s Crusaders!
*A quick note from Damian – John and I made contact after he was involved in a coast to coast cycling project to aid Crohn’s Disease in Canada. You can check their website at www.poweredbycommunity.org and also get hold of a copy of their film – “Rubber Side Down”
Today’s images can be viewed here
Sponsor Name: Tribal Training
Sponsor Level: Project Partner
Sponsor Website: http://www.tri-bal.com.au/
Tribal Training helped Damian get into shape with twice weekly wind-trainer sessions in the lead up to the big ride and also offered plenty of tips and advice along the way.
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