Stage 16 — Montpellier > Mont Ventoux

Stage Profile and Strategy

• Terrain: Classic mountain stage finishing on the mythical Mont Ventoux. The "Giant of Provence" with its barren lunar landscape at the summit.
• Race Narrative:
  • Early: Fast start through Provence, early breakaway.
  • Mid: Approach through vineyards and lavender fields.
  • Finale: 21km climb up Ventoux - one of cycling's most feared ascents.
• Sporting Stakes: Major time gaps, legendary stage win opportunity, GC battle on the slopes.

Stage Report

Planned

🚴 Stage 16 Ride Options

🏆 Breakaway Mode (60m @ FTP 128)

"Attack early, fight through Provence, then climb into cycling legend on Ventoux!"

• 5m @ 96W (75%) [Controlled warm-up | Nervous start from Montpellier]
• 8m @ 122W (95%) [Early attack formation | Sprint to join break before Provence hills]
• 22m @ 115W (90%) [Sustained tempo through Provence | Rolling Languedoc vineyards and garrigue]
• 3m @ 109W (85%) [Approach the Giant | Bédoin village, base of legendary Ventoux]
• 22m @ 118W (92%) [Mont Ventoux ascent | 21.8km at 7.4% - Bédoin > summit via forest then moonscape]

🦺 GC Mode (60m @ FTP 128)

"Respect the Giant of Provence - climb steadily, survive Ventoux's brutality."

• 5m @ 77W (60%) [Controlled rollout | Easy start from Mediterranean Montpellier]
• 15m @ 83W (65%) [Steady approach tempo | Rolling through Provençal countryside]
• 15m @ 87W (68%) [Building to Ventoux base | Approaching Bédoin, tension rising]
• 5m @ 90W (70%) [Base of Ventoux | Start of 21.8km mythical climb]
• 20m @ 96W (75%) [Ventoux summit push | Through forest, then lunar landscape to weather station]