A 16th stage marked by the ascent of Mont Ventoux

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Thousands of fans, tourists, or cyclists gathered on the slopes of Mont Ventoux to measure themselves in this monument, a few hours before the runners on the occasion of the 16th stage of the Tour de France Tuesday July 22. “”I'm proud because it's a legendary collar and it's super good“, Smiles Victor, 12, accompanied by his dad.”Even if we are not at the champions level, that is part of the adventure. I think it's me who will suffer more than him“Adds the latter.

Whether it is to climb it by bike or just to find a location to see the peloton pass, make his hole in the Ventoux, it deserves. By motorhome or tent, you had to arrive early, even very early. “”We arrived last night around 7 p.m. and we wanted to get on a car to go at the very top. But the whole road was closed, so we ended up taking our things on foot and putting on our tent right here“Explains a passionate installed on the side of the road.

At each passages from the Tour de France, Mont Chauve is no longer entirely relaxed. On the tourist side, there are no longer nationalities. And among traders, hanging on its sides, it's the day of the year. “”I have 12 of my colleagues who come to lend me a hand for this special day“, says André Godart, manager of the Le Relais du Ventoux bar in Bedouin, the last village before the ascent of the colossus.”There is no equivalent compared to the Tour de France on the turnover of a day. It must multiply easily by four“He continued.

A village of 3,000 inhabitants in normal, transformed on July 22. Without a doubt, for 24 hours, the world capital of bicycle is in Vaucluse. Some restaurants are even forced to refuse customers. “”Since January, I have launched our Instagram account and in two days, we were complete. We have never seen that. A tour of France like that is madness“, Says a restaurateur.