Cycling rivals Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard set to lock horns on the challenging ascent of Mont Ventoux in the preview for Tour de France stage 16, known as one of the toughest climbs in the sport.
The Tour de France's Stage 16, set for July 22, promises to be a thrilling affair as the race resumes after the second rest day in Montpellier. The stage, covering a challenging 171.5 km route, culminates in a punishing ascent to the summit of Mont Ventoux, one of cycling's most iconic and feared climbs 1.
A Legendary Climb
Mont Ventoux, known as the 'Giant of Provence', is renowned for its barren, lunar-like landscape and challenging exposure to winds, particularly in the upper half 3. This stage is significant not only for its difficulty but also for its historical weight. It is often considered a "queen stage" or a decisive mountain stage in the Tour, where general classification contenders battle for key time gains 3.
The last Tour de France ascent to Mont Ventoux was in 2016, won by Thomas De Gendt 4. The climb is legendary partly due to its tragic history, including the death of British cyclist Tom Simpson on Mont Ventoux during the 1967 Tour 3.
A Crucial Battle
This stage marks the first and most crucial mountain battle of the Tour's third week. The race heads in a northeasterly direction through Provence, concluding with a summit finish on the iconic Mont Ventoux 2. The exposed, often wind-stricken climb should produce a showdown between favourites like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard 3.
In 2021, Vingegaard managed to drop Pogačar close to the summit of Mont Ventoux, but Pogacar caught him on the long drop to the finish 5. If Vingegaard can repeat that feat on Tuesday, any time gained would be impossible for Pogacar to recover, as the race finishes at the summit of the Ventoux 5.
The Unpredictable Ventoux
The Ventoux is known for its unpredictable weather conditions, adding an extra layer of challenge to the already gruelling climb 6. Positioning will be critical due to the huge pack expected at the foot of the ascent 7. The stage features a single categorized climb, with 15.7 kilometers of a lone Hors Categorie climb to the summit finish 2.
The riders will climb from the town of Bédoin up to Chalet Reynard, where stage 12 of the 2016 Tour de France finished after being shortened due to high winds 2. The 2025 Tour de France will feature a decisive final stage on Mont Ventoux on Tuesday 8.
The GC Battle Awaits
Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease A Bike) trails Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) by 4:13 in the Tour de France GC 9. Vingegaard believes the Tour de France GC battle is not over and sees the Ventoux as an opportunity he cannot afford to miss 9.
The stage 16 map and profile are available for reference 10. Mont Ventoux always leaves its mark on the Tour de France, with notable events such as the tragedy of Tom Simpson in 1967, Lance Armstrong versus Marco Pantani in 2000, and Froome running without a bike in 2016 3. This year's battle on Mont Ventoux promises to be no less dramatic.
1. The grueling ascent to Mont Ventoux, a legendary climb referred to as the 'Giant of Provence', is a key part of the Tour de France's challenging Stage 16.
2. The historic Mont Ventoux, with its unpredictable weather conditions and significant historical weight, marks the first and crucial mountain battle of the Tour's third week, concluding with a summit finish.
