Tacx i-magic/Fortius RLV Mont Ventoux 07

Course information It is the last week in May. Two ascents were filmed. You start on the east side of the Mont Ventoux, the enormous 'Giant of the Provence'. This is the easy side. You start with a short descent through the picturesque little village of Sault and cycle past vineyards. In the distance you see the top of the Mont Ventoux looming in front of you in the clouds. The road continues on through ancient woods with oak trees, pines and elms. After passing the well-known 'Le Chalet Reynard', it is only a 6-km climb to the top. The surroundings change into a rocky lunar landscape, characteristic of the Mont Ventoux. You cycle through mist during the last few kilometres. This is the most difficult part of the climb that leads to the observation point at the top. The road continues on via a lightning descent through the clouds and across sunny roads to the old village of Malaucéne. After an exploratory tour, you take the west side of the Mont Ventoux. This second ascent is more difficult than the first. Some sections even have 9% gradients. Close to Mont Serein Station the road is somewhat less steep. It affords the perfect opportunity to catch your breath and gather all your strength for the last six, difficult kilometres to the top. Anyone who has ridden this course first hand or on the Tacx Fortius has performed very well. It is the most difficult course available on DVD for Tacx's Real Life Video. Extra fact: is that on the first assent about 2km from the top you can just make out the memorial to British cyclist Tom Simpson who died at that spot in the road during the 1967 Tour de France during a blisteringly hot stage. Tom was world professional Road race champion in 1965