{"id":2081755,"date":"2026-08-06T23:14:43","date_gmt":"2026-08-06T20:14:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2081755"},"modified":"2026-08-06T23:14:43","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T20:14:43","slug":"a-proposal-a-baptism-of-fire-and-an-mtb-ride-at-10-years-old-everyone-at-the-tour-de-france-femmes-has-a-mont-ventoux-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2081755","title":{"rendered":"A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 1 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Jne4kTcfwJoM4axXspMh87.jpg\" alt=\"Movistar Team&amp;#039;s Swiss rider Marlen Reusser celebrates on the podium with the overall leader&amp;#039;s yellow jersey after the individual time-trial in the 4th (out of 9) stage of the fifth edition of the Women&amp;#039;s Tour de France cycling race, 21 km time trial between Gevrey-Chambertin and Dijon, in Dijon, eastern France on August 4, 2026. (Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT \/ AFP)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-4 h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">1<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle\n                                <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none upnext-article-divider\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 2 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/t4yoWPhT7A6k44w4XM8pAh.jpg\" alt=\"Sigrid Ytterhus Haugset of Norway and Team Uno-X Mobility celebrates at finish line as stage 3 winner\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">2<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: An 85km solo attack is rewarded with the stage victory and the leader&#8217;s yellow jersey\n                                <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"m-0 box-border flex flex-row items-center pr-2.5 gap-[15px] w-[278px] h-20 flex-none\" role=\"listitem\" aria-label=\"Recommended article 3 of 3\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-none w-20 h-20\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XM3YQtFdC5Pz8c4Xvw5VWm.jpg\" alt=\"BELLEVILLE-EN-BEAUJOLAIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 05: (L-R) Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ United - SUEZ celebrates at finish line as stage winner ahead of Marlen Reusser of Switzerland and Team Movistar - Yellow Leader Jersey during the 5th Tour de France Femmes 2026, Stage 5 a 140km stage from Macon to Belleville-en-Beaujolais \/ #UCIWWT \/ on August 05, 2026 in Belleville-en-Beaujolais, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] w-20 h-20 object-cover flex-none rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex items-center justify-center absolute w-[18px] h-6 left-0 top-0 bg-white\/90 flex-none z-[1]\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                                    <span class=\"font-normal text-base leading-[17px] tracking-[1.3px] uppercase text-black flex-none\">3<\/span>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-1.5 w-[173px] h-20 flex-none\">\n<p class=\"font-article-heading font-medium text-base leading-[21px] text-gray-800 w-[173px] line-clamp-3 group-hover:underline\">\n                                    As it happened: Attacks in the Beaujolais hills shake up stage 5 and the GC as 2025 Tour winner falls out of contention\n                                <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<div id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\"><\/div>\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-06T23:14:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The Bald Mountain was the talk of the town on stage 6, with even those who have never raced holding special memories of the climb<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj.jpg\" alt=\"Wide shot of the top of Mont Ventoux and the iconic weather centre that sits on top of the mountain\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block-image-ads hero-image absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full object-center\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"> <span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Ventoux is one of cycling&#8217;s most famous climbs<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>    <span class=\"ml-1 inline-flex h-5 px-2 shrink-0 items-center justify-center self-center overflow-hidden whitespace-nowrap rounded-[10px] bg-primary-500 text-[11px] leading-none font-ui-heading font-semibold text-white\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b400-91e8-11f1-a566-1dbdc9738c2e\">There was a whole entire stage on Thursday, but to be honest, there was one big topic that dominated conversation at the Tour de France Femmes: Mont Ventoux.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>A handful of riders in the peloton have raced up Ventoux before, either in the Tour de l&#8217;Ard\u00e8che or the Mont Ventoux D\u00e9nivel\u00e9 Challenge, and most of those that haven&#8217;t have either reconned it or ridden it as a punter.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b400-91e8-11f1-a566-1dbdc9738c2e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Very few riders seem to have never been up it before, opting to go in blind on stage 7, and even fewer seem to not have a story at all, whether it was personal memories, visits as a child or memorable racing moments.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-mobile\"><\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full\" data-jwp-carousel-player-host><\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My colleague Dani Ostanek tracked down some of the other riders to talk about their racing experiences, but it seemed to me like practically everyone at the race had some kind of story, whether it was our first racing memories as journalists, riders&#8217; experiences riding it, or even one rider who got engaged at the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is a special climb that holds special memories for many people \u2013 here are some of my favourite Ventoux stories on the eve of the Tour de France Queen stage.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j8wD3sYVkGnWGvSUq96uVj.jpg\" alt=\"MALAUCENE FRANCE  JULY 07 The peloton passing through Mont Ventoux 1910m mountain landscape during the 108th Tour de France 2021 Stage 11 a 1989km km stage from Sorgues to Malaucne  Fog  Public  Fans  LeTour  TDF2021  on July 07 2021 in Malaucene France Photo by Michael SteeleGetty Images\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">What is Mont Ventoux? All you need to know about the &#8216;bald mountain&#8217; that is part of the Tour de France<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe.png\" alt=\"Nicole Cooke climbs Mont Ventoux, with the summit above her, during the fifth stage of La Grande Boucle F\u00e9minine Internationale in 2006.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Cooke&#8217;s Mont Ventoux masterclass and a C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur classic \u2013 A history of the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; key climbs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sW9nsgPEaawes3ceCMvryb.jpg\" alt=\"Demi Vollering races alongside her FDJ United-SUEZ teammates during stage 5 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes to Belleville-en-Beaujolais\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It was the first-ever climb I did&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering ready to head back to where it all began as Tour de France Femmes prepares for Mont Ventoux queen stage<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b586-91e8-11f1-b172-4fb76aaa92fc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"justine-ghekiere-proposed-to-her-girlfriend-at-the-top-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Justine Ghekiere \u2013 proposed to her girlfriend at the top<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b608-91e8-11f1-829f-9351a890c899\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">One of our favourite Mont Ventoux stories floating around the paddock surely has to be Justine Ghekiere proposing to her girlfriend at the top of the climb a few weeks ago.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She&#8217;ll be hoping that the climb, which might be striking fear into others, will be a slightly more wholesome day for her.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zaofTaN846VrxLLbh4rbsE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zaofTaN846VrxLLbh4rbsE slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a special one for me, because in June I asked my girlfriend to marry me there, so a lot of good memories and good memories for tomorrow and the stage,&#8221; she explained at the start of stage 6.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was planned to do a recon, and a lot of piece fell together on that day to do it, so why not? One of the things my girlfriend always said was &#8216;If you ask me, ask me on top of a mountain&#8217;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-DZkhFi6CJWw\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Justine Ghekiere (@ghekierejustine)<\/p><figcaption><cite><\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<p><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b6ee-91e8-11f1-a74f-8399c40aa02f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did it easy with my girlfriend, but tomorrow I don&#8217;t think it will be so easy. It&#8217;s a very hard climb, especially the first 10k is really hard, so I hope for good legs.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn.jpg\" alt=\"Picture by Zac Williams\/SWpix.com - 22\/07\/2025 - Cycling - 2025 Tour de France Stage 16, Montpellier - Mont Ventoux, France - The grupetto make their way to the summit.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 7 preview \u2013 Queen stage set to deliver GC fireworks on Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM.jpg\" alt=\"CHATEL LES PORTES DU SOLEIL, FRANCE - AUGUST 03: (L-R) Sarah Gigante of Australia and Team AG Insurance - Soudal, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot of France and Team Visma | Lease a Bike - Yellow Leader Jersey, Niamh Fisher-Black of New Zealand and Team Lidl - Trek, Katarzyna Niewiadoma of Poland and Team CANYON\/\/SRAM zondacrypto and Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ - SUEZ compete in the chase group climbing to the Col de Joux Plane (1688m) during the 4th Tour de France Femmes 2025, Stage 9 a 124.1km stage from Praz-sur-Arly to Chatel Les Portes du Soleilon 1298m \/ #UCIWWT \/ August 03, 2025 in Chatel Les Portes du Soleil, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKTTfguGUFLfSH7XH62BYL.jpg\" alt=\"Kimberley Le Court Pienaar of Mauritius and Team AG Insurance - Soudal celebrates at finish line as stage 6 winner\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 6 sparks attacks, a GC chase and close sprint finish<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did it also when I was 18 years old, on a vacation, and I did all three sides in one day, so that was my first experience. I like it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think tomorrow is a full GC day. They will go all-out on that climb to make as much time up as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For Ghekiere, that might mean going in the break or supporting Kim Le Court-Pienaar where she can on the climb, but she did confirm one thing: her girlfriend \u2013 now fianc\u00e9e \u2013 will be there watching.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-5036e068-91ec-11f1-bb7b-73adb89c1348\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dani-christmas-a-baptism-of-fire-in-the-ardeche-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Dani Christmas \u2013\u00a0A baptism of fire in the Ard\u00e8che<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-5036e0e0-91ec-11f1-959f-ab01f80c7eed\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I dropped a text to commentator and AG Insurance-Soudal director Dani Christmas, who revealed that it was the first mountain she ever tackled in a race \u2013 quite the baptism of fire \u2013 when she rode Ventoux in the Tour de l&#8217;Ard\u00e8che in 2016, finishing 40th out of 107 riders. The winner on that day? Future Olympic champion Anna Kiesenhofer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ventoux that day was a complete baptism of fire for the British rider, and most certainly sent her back to Belgium with new appreciation for the short Flemish bergs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The longest mountain I had ever ridden before that point was six kilometres,&#8221; Christmas told me. &#8220;I was training for Tour de l&#8217;Ard\u00e8che in Belgium, training on the Congoberg, which is about one and a half kilometres. So obviously, I was woefully underprepared for such a race, but it was a really good experience for me to get in with a UCI team, because it was in my first years of racing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-5036e144-91ec-11f1-9503-3b9b6a6e6517\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More on Ventoux<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure \">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dtw5efBSoGcPKQaWPkvnBm.png\" alt=\"Nicole Cooke climbs Mont Ventoux, with the summit looming overhead.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] pinterest-pin-exclude\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"fancy-box__body-text\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cooke&#8217;s Mont Ventoux masterclass and a C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur classic \u2013 A history of the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; key climbs<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>What is Mont Ventoux?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-5036e1b2-91ec-11f1-9e0a-b387a93406bb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;My task on that given day was to be in the breakaway and to try and be a bit of a satellite rider for our GC rider, Flavia Oliveira. She actually went on to win the race. So I initiated the breakaway, and there was about six of us maybe in the breakaway. Obviously, Anna Kiesenhofer was in there. I proceeded to get myself dropped from said breakaway just before we came towards the climb. My sports director came to me and said that I needed to pull full gas for about two kilometres on the climb, which, when you&#8217;re obviously absolutely dead, that was wonderful news to hear.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So when the group of favorites came, I went to Flavia and said, &#8216;Okay, I need to pull&#8217; and she said &#8216;It&#8217;s too early to do that&#8217; at which point I popped, so I was of absolutely no use to her whatsoever. Then I suffered my way up the climb.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As I said, it was my first experience of riding a mountain of that length, so when I saw the sign that said 10 kilometres to go, I was used to 10 kilometres in Belgian racing, so I was like, &#8216;That&#8217;s not too bad, is it?&#8217; And then I looked at my Garmin, and I was doing eight kilometres an hour. So obviously my heart absolutely dropped.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I slogged my way up. I did the next stage, and then I had to go back to Belgium to go and race in the Lotto Belgium Tour. So a few days later, I was racing up the Muur, I was alone on Mont Ventoux, and then I was alone on the Muur, but this time, I was off the front, going up the Muur.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b75c-91e8-11f1-9ba8-63e6df8c4004\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"margot-vanpachtenbeke-rode-the-climb-seven-times-in-memory-of-her-father-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Margot Vanpachtenbeke \u2013 rode the climb seven times in memory of her father<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b7ca-91e8-11f1-8944-ed8bb3fa4c00\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">One rider who isn&#8217;t racing the Tour this year but has created a very special Ventoux story is Margot Vanpachtenbeke (Lidl-Trek), who rode Ventoux seven times in a row to raise money and awareness for cancer research and treatment.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She racked up 295km and over 10,000m of climbing during her 15-hour effort, which saw her ride through the dark to reach seven ascents.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Climbing the Ventoux is a choice. The battle against cancer, unfortunately, is not,&#8221; she wrote on Instagram. &#8220;This is for all of you \u2013 and for dad.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-Dbso_BdDJJB\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Margot Vanpachtenbeke (@margot_vanpachtenbeke)<\/p><figcaption><cite><\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<p><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b838-91e8-11f1-a4a8-cbc66c13c75c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"puck-pieterse-rode-up-at-10-years-old-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Puck Pieterse \u2013 rode up at 10 years old<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b8a6-91e8-11f1-8a9d-896f3f0eef3d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If Justine Ghekiere riding all three sides at just 18 seems young, then imagine a 10-year-old Puck Pieterse rocketing up the climb, in less than two hours and on her mountain bike no less.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I rode it when I was 10, I think, on my mountain bike. I looked back, my time was one hour 58 minutes, so I hope to break that!<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a super cool climb, and we&#8217;ll just see day by day how I recover, but for now I still feel good, so I&#8217;m really excited.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pieterse is currently in the polka dot jersey, and stage 7 up to Ventoux will likely be pivotal in deciding whether she can defend that jersey from the<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b91e-91e8-11f1-83ab-c9d1f640f9bb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"amanda-spratt-only-been-up-on-recon-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Amanda Spratt \u2013 only been up on recon<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b98c-91e8-11f1-b39d-7ffb5439092e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For some of the more seasoned riders in the peloton, it&#8217;s a little surprising when they have never raced up Ventoux at all, given the handful of opportunities over the last few years.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Many of those who have never raced the climb have at least checked it out in recon, and that&#8217;s the case for Amanda Spratt, who will tick off this mythical climb in what is set to be her final Tour de France before retiring at the end of a 15-year career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve never been up it in a race, but we did recon it about a month ago,&#8221; the Lidl-Trek rider explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s long, hard, brutal. It&#8217;s a really hard climb, you&#8217;ve got that first part all through the forest, and there&#8217;s no real landmarks to tick off, so that makes it really hard. I think almost the last five or six kilometres are a bit easier, because at least you can see the top, even if it takes forever to get there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It will be interesting. It will also be interesting with the wind \u2013 I haven&#8217;t checked that actually, I&#8217;m just going day by day, so I haven&#8217;t checked the weather for tomorrow.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b9fa-91e8-11f1-b1f0-1159417be334\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ruby-roseman-gannon-rode-part-of-the-climb-on-a-family-holiday-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon \u2013 rode part of the climb on a family holiday<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854ba68-91e8-11f1-bc99-1ff09d4b8bf4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Other riders have experienced the climb exactly the way most of us laymen will: as a cyclo-tourist on a family holiday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Australia&#8217;s Ruby Roseman-Gannon took the opportunity after the Tour in 2024 to do just that. She DNF&#8217;d that edition of the Tour, so missed the opportunity to race up Alpe d&#8217;Huez, but ticked off another iconic family with her father \u2013 though she didn&#8217;t quite make it to the top.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been there once before with my dad on a family holiday after the Tour. I didn&#8217;t make it the whole way. I was doing efforts, and there were just so many touring cyclists up there. I couldn&#8217;t believe it, I&#8217;ve never been on a climb with so many tourist cyclists. I was going past doing my efforts, and then I had people on the wheel, and I was passing people and slowing down and losing speed,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I made it to above the tree line, and then I was like &#8216;OK, time to go home&#8217;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On Friday, she&#8217;ll be riding in support of Canada&#8217;s Nadia Gontova, who is set to make her own special memories on the climb, as she&#8217;ll be ascending Ventoux on the day of her 27th birthday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4854bad6-91e8-11f1-953d-05b878d8bbd8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to Cyclingnews. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"kiosq-app-paywall-js\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"this-will-be-used-for-mpu-2\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-zaofTaN846VrxLLbh4rbsE\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-zaofTaN846VrxLLbh4rbsE slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-(--truncate-height) sm:h-(--truncate-desktop-height) overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura rounded-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[var(--truncate-gradient-color,white)] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"infinite-container\" data-analytics-id=\"infinite-container\" data-component-name=\"SponsoredScroll\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"infinite-container\">\n<div class=\"infinite-trigger\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j8wD3sYVkGnWGvSUq96uVj.jpg\" alt=\"MALAUCENE FRANCE  JULY 07 The peloton passing through Mont Ventoux 1910m mountain landscape during the 108th Tour de France 2021 Stage 11 a 1989km km stage from Sorgues to Malaucne  Fog  Public  Fans  LeTour  TDF2021  on July 07 2021 in Malaucene France Photo by Michael SteeleGetty Images\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What is Mont Ventoux? All you need to know about the &#8216;bald mountain&#8217; that is part of the Tour de France<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe.png\" alt=\"Nicole Cooke climbs Mont Ventoux, with the summit above her, during the fifth stage of La Grande Boucle F\u00e9minine Internationale in 2006.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cooke&#8217;s Mont Ventoux masterclass and a C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur classic \u2013 A history of the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; key climbs<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sW9nsgPEaawes3ceCMvryb.jpg\" alt=\"Demi Vollering races alongside her FDJ United-SUEZ teammates during stage 5 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes to Belleville-en-Beaujolais\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was the first-ever climb I did&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering ready to head back to where it all began as Tour de France Femmes prepares for Mont Ventoux queen stage<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn.jpg\" alt=\"Picture by Zac Williams\/SWpix.com - 22\/07\/2025 - Cycling - 2025 Tour de France Stage 16, Montpellier - Mont Ventoux, France - The grupetto make their way to the summit.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 7 preview \u2013 Queen stage set to deliver GC fireworks on Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM.jpg\" alt=\"CHATEL LES PORTES DU SOLEIL, FRANCE - AUGUST 03: (L-R) Sarah Gigante of Australia and Team AG Insurance - Soudal, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot of France and Team Visma | Lease a Bike - Yellow Leader Jersey, Niamh Fisher-Black of New Zealand and Team Lidl - Trek, Katarzyna Niewiadoma of Poland and Team CANYON\/\/SRAM zondacrypto and Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ - SUEZ compete in the chase group climbing to the Col de Joux Plane (1688m) during the 4th Tour de France Femmes 2025, Stage 9 a 124.1km stage from Praz-sur-Arly to Chatel Les Portes du Soleilon 1298m \/ #UCIWWT \/ August 03, 2025 in Chatel Les Portes du Soleil, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKTTfguGUFLfSH7XH62BYL.jpg\" alt=\"Kimberley Le Court Pienaar of Mauritius and Team AG Insurance - Soudal celebrates at finish line as stage 6 winner\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 6 sparks attacks, a GC chase and close sprint finish<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co.jpg\" alt=\"Cecile Lejeune and other elite women among Life Time Grand Prix compete at 2025 Leadville Trail 100 MTB\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB loses iconic Powerline climb due to wildfire but 2026 route &#8216;closely follows the traditional course&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk.jpg\" alt=\"TOURNON-SUR-RHONE, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Stage winner Kimberley Le Court Pienaar of Mauritius and Team AG Insurance - Soudal meets the fans after the 5th Tour de France Femmes 2026, Stage 6 a 153.4km stage from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhon \/ #UCIWWT \/ on August 06, 2026 in Tournon-sur-Rhone, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a late-night text to another stage win \u2013\u00a0Kim Le Court-Pienaar back on top in the hills at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk.jpg\" alt=\"Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini is paced by UAE Team L&amp;#039;IMAD teammates at the 2026 Tour de France Femmes\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Despite &#8216;all the noise&#8217;, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s multi-leader approach working but Mont Ventoux could change everything at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe.jpg\" alt=\"TOURNON-SUR-RHONE, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ United - SUEZ competes during the 5th Tour de France Femmes 2026, Stage 6 a 153.4km stage from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhon \/ #UCIWWT \/ on August 06, 2026 in Tournon-sur-Rhone, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are where we want to be&#8217; \u2013 All going according to plan for Demi Vollering and FDJ United-SUEZ ahead of Tour de France Femmes Mont Ventoux showdown<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait of Marlen Reusser looking focused in yellow skinsuit, yellow helmet and yellow glasses at the start of stage 6 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re going to try to win the stage&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser ready to go big on Mont Ventoux in search of Tour de France Femmes victory<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvJmVsGmVH3pLtR7rnskYW.jpg\" alt=\"TOURNON-SUR-RHONE, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Kimberley Le Court Pienaar of Mauritius and Team AG Insurance - Soudal celebrates at finish line as stage winner ahead of (L-R) Cedrine Kerbaol of France and Team EF Education - Oatly and Puck Pieterse of Netherlands and Team Fenix - Premier Tech - Polka Dot Mountain Jersey during the 5th Tour de France Femmes 2026, Stage 6 a 153.4km stage from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhon \/ #UCIWWT \/ on August 06, 2026 in Tournon-sur-Rhone, France. (Photo by Alex Broadway\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes: Kim Le Court-Pienaar surges from small pack for stunning win on stage 6<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co.jpg\" alt=\"Cecile Lejeune and other elite women among Life Time Grand Prix compete at 2025 Leadville Trail 100 MTB\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB loses iconic Powerline climb due to wildfire but 2026 route &#8216;closely follows the traditional course&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk.jpg\" alt=\"TOURNON-SUR-RHONE, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Stage winner Kimberley Le Court Pienaar of Mauritius and Team AG Insurance - Soudal meets the fans after the 5th Tour de France Femmes 2026, Stage 6 a 153.4km stage from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhon \/ #UCIWWT \/ on August 06, 2026 in Tournon-sur-Rhone, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a late-night text to another stage win \u2013\u00a0Kim Le Court-Pienaar back on top in the hills at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe.jpg\" alt=\"TOURNON-SUR-RHONE, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ United - SUEZ competes during the 5th Tour de France Femmes 2026, Stage 6 a 153.4km stage from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhon \/ #UCIWWT \/ on August 06, 2026 in Tournon-sur-Rhone, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are where we want to be&#8217; \u2013 All going according to plan for Demi Vollering and FDJ United-SUEZ ahead of Tour de France Femmes Mont Ventoux showdown<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait of Marlen Reusser looking focused in yellow skinsuit, yellow helmet and yellow glasses at the start of stage 6 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re going to try to win the stage&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser ready to go big on Mont Ventoux in search of Tour de France Femmes victory<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XgJTfVPdnxUJPs5VrVTMJA.jpg\" alt=\"Giovanni Carboni pictured at the finish of a race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Doping<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Four-year ban for Giovanni Carboni in biological passport doping case<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jp9Lzm5k58pmQWE9qXruRn.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de Pologne stage 4: riders are stopped after the crash\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Pologne stage 4 neutralised for nearly 40 minutes after major crash in peloton<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"ads\" id=\"ads-middle-1\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-ads widget-ads-middle-1 widget-ads-ads-middle-1 widget-no-data widget-ads-flexi_ads_middle1\">\n<div id=\"bdx_flexi_ads_middle1\" data-type=\"ads\" data-ads-type=\"bordeaux\" class=\"flexi_ads_middle1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar widget-empty-sidebar widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div 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class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj.jpg\" alt=\"Wide shot of the top of Mont Ventoux and the iconic weather centre that sits on top of the mountain\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] popular-box__article-list__image image__image\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Volta a Portugal: Francisco Campos claims three-up sprint to win stage 1 in Sintra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Despite &#8216;all the noise&#8217;, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s multi-leader approach working but Mont Ventoux could change everything at the Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>From a late-night text to another stage win \u2013\u00a0Kim Le Court-Pienaar back on top in the hills at the Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Leadville Trail 100 MTB loses iconic Powerline climb due to wildfire but 2026 route &#8216;closely follows the traditional course&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"clear-both widget-header\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<div id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\"><\/div>\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-06T23:14:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The Bald Mountain was the talk of the town on stage 6, with even those who have never raced holding special memories of the climb<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-[color:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--text-color,inherit)] mb-2 text-[length:var(--affiliate-disclaimer--font-size,0.75rem)] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-inherit [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj.jpg\" alt=\"Wide shot of the top of Mont Ventoux and the iconic weather centre that sits on top of the mountain\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] block-image-ads hero-image absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full object-center\" data-component-name=\"Image\"><figcaption class=\"font-article-copy text-(--image--text--color) font-article-copy mt-2\"> <span class=\"caption-text font-article-copy\">Ventoux is one of cycling&#8217;s most famous climbs<\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"credit font-article-copy\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><br \/>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"m-0!\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none 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max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b400-91e8-11f1-a566-1dbdc9738c2e\">There was a whole entire stage on Thursday, but to be honest, there was one big topic that dominated conversation at the Tour de France Femmes: Mont Ventoux.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>A handful of riders in the peloton have raced up Ventoux before, either in the Tour de l&#8217;Ard\u00e8che or the Mont Ventoux D\u00e9nivel\u00e9 Challenge, and most of those that haven&#8217;t have either reconned it or ridden it as a punter.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b400-91e8-11f1-a566-1dbdc9738c2e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Very few riders seem to have never been up it before, opting to go in blind on stage 7, and even fewer seem to not have a story at all, whether it was personal memories, visits as a child or memorable racing moments.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-mobile\"><\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full\" data-jwp-carousel-player-host><\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My colleague Dani Ostanek tracked down some of the other riders to talk about their racing experiences, but it seemed to me like practically everyone at the race had some kind of story, whether it was our first racing memories as journalists, riders&#8217; experiences riding it, or even one rider who got engaged at the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is a special climb that holds special memories for many people \u2013 here are some of my favourite Ventoux stories on the eve of the Tour de France Queen stage.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j8wD3sYVkGnWGvSUq96uVj.jpg\" alt=\"MALAUCENE FRANCE  JULY 07 The peloton passing through Mont Ventoux 1910m mountain landscape during the 108th Tour de France 2021 Stage 11 a 1989km km stage from Sorgues to Malaucne  Fog  Public  Fans  LeTour  TDF2021  on July 07 2021 in Malaucene France Photo by Michael SteeleGetty Images\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">What is Mont Ventoux? All you need to know about the &#8216;bald mountain&#8217; that is part of the Tour de France<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe.png\" alt=\"Nicole Cooke climbs Mont Ventoux, with the summit above her, during the fifth stage of La Grande Boucle F\u00e9minine Internationale in 2006.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Cooke&#8217;s Mont Ventoux masterclass and a C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur classic \u2013 A history of the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; key climbs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sW9nsgPEaawes3ceCMvryb.jpg\" alt=\"Demi Vollering races alongside her FDJ United-SUEZ teammates during stage 5 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes to Belleville-en-Beaujolais\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It was the first-ever climb I did&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering ready to head back to where it all began as Tour de France Femmes prepares for Mont Ventoux queen stage<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b586-91e8-11f1-b172-4fb76aaa92fc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"justine-ghekiere-proposed-to-her-girlfriend-at-the-top-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Justine Ghekiere \u2013 proposed to her girlfriend at the top<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b608-91e8-11f1-829f-9351a890c899\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">One of our favourite Mont Ventoux stories floating around the paddock surely has to be Justine Ghekiere proposing to her girlfriend at the top of the climb a few weeks ago.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She&#8217;ll be hoping that the climb, which might be striking fear into others, will be a slightly more wholesome day for her.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zaofTaN846VrxLLbh4rbsE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zaofTaN846VrxLLbh4rbsE slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a special one for me, because in June I asked my girlfriend to marry me there, so a lot of good memories and good memories for tomorrow and the stage,&#8221; she explained at the start of stage 6.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was planned to do a recon, and a lot of piece fell together on that day to do it, so why not? One of the things my girlfriend always said was &#8216;If you ask me, ask me on top of a mountain&#8217;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-DZkhFi6CJWw\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Justine Ghekiere (@ghekierejustine)<\/p><figcaption><cite><\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<p><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b6ee-91e8-11f1-a74f-8399c40aa02f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did it easy with my girlfriend, but tomorrow I don&#8217;t think it will be so easy. It&#8217;s a very hard climb, especially the first 10k is really hard, so I hope for good legs.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn.jpg\" alt=\"Picture by Zac Williams\/SWpix.com - 22\/07\/2025 - Cycling - 2025 Tour de France Stage 16, Montpellier - Mont Ventoux, France - The grupetto make their way to the summit.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 7 preview \u2013 Queen stage set to deliver GC fireworks on Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM.jpg\" alt=\"CHATEL LES PORTES DU SOLEIL, FRANCE - AUGUST 03: (L-R) Sarah Gigante of Australia and Team AG Insurance - Soudal, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot of France and Team Visma | Lease a Bike - Yellow Leader Jersey, Niamh Fisher-Black of New Zealand and Team Lidl - Trek, Katarzyna Niewiadoma of Poland and Team CANYON\/\/SRAM zondacrypto and Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ - SUEZ compete in the chase group climbing to the Col de Joux Plane (1688m) during the 4th Tour de France Femmes 2025, Stage 9 a 124.1km stage from Praz-sur-Arly to Chatel Les Portes du Soleilon 1298m \/ #UCIWWT \/ August 03, 2025 in Chatel Les Portes du Soleil, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKTTfguGUFLfSH7XH62BYL.jpg\" alt=\"Kimberley Le Court Pienaar of Mauritius and Team AG Insurance - Soudal celebrates at finish line as stage 6 winner\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 6 sparks attacks, a GC chase and close sprint finish<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did it also when I was 18 years old, on a vacation, and I did all three sides in one day, so that was my first experience. I like it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think tomorrow is a full GC day. They will go all-out on that climb to make as much time up as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For Ghekiere, that might mean going in the break or supporting Kim Le Court-Pienaar where she can on the climb, but she did confirm one thing: her girlfriend \u2013 now fianc\u00e9e \u2013 will be there watching.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-5036e068-91ec-11f1-bb7b-73adb89c1348\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dani-christmas-a-baptism-of-fire-in-the-ardeche-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Dani Christmas \u2013\u00a0A baptism of fire in the Ard\u00e8che<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-5036e0e0-91ec-11f1-959f-ab01f80c7eed\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I dropped a text to commentator and AG Insurance-Soudal director Dani Christmas, who revealed that it was the first mountain she ever tackled in a race \u2013 quite the baptism of fire \u2013 when she rode Ventoux in the Tour de l&#8217;Ard\u00e8che in 2016, finishing 40th out of 107 riders. The winner on that day? Future Olympic champion Anna Kiesenhofer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ventoux that day was a complete baptism of fire for the British rider, and most certainly sent her back to Belgium with new appreciation for the short Flemish bergs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The longest mountain I had ever ridden before that point was six kilometres,&#8221; Christmas told me. &#8220;I was training for Tour de l&#8217;Ard\u00e8che in Belgium, training on the Congoberg, which is about one and a half kilometres. So obviously, I was woefully underprepared for such a race, but it was a really good experience for me to get in with a UCI team, because it was in my first years of racing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-5036e144-91ec-11f1-9503-3b9b6a6e6517\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More on Ventoux<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure \">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dtw5efBSoGcPKQaWPkvnBm.png\" alt=\"Nicole Cooke climbs Mont Ventoux, with the summit looming overhead.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] pinterest-pin-exclude\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"fancy-box__body-text\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cooke&#8217;s Mont Ventoux masterclass and a C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur classic \u2013 A history of the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; key climbs<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>What is Mont Ventoux?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-5036e1b2-91ec-11f1-9e0a-b387a93406bb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;My task on that given day was to be in the breakaway and to try and be a bit of a satellite rider for our GC rider, Flavia Oliveira. She actually went on to win the race. So I initiated the breakaway, and there was about six of us maybe in the breakaway. Obviously, Anna Kiesenhofer was in there. I proceeded to get myself dropped from said breakaway just before we came towards the climb. My sports director came to me and said that I needed to pull full gas for about two kilometres on the climb, which, when you&#8217;re obviously absolutely dead, that was wonderful news to hear.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So when the group of favorites came, I went to Flavia and said, &#8216;Okay, I need to pull&#8217; and she said &#8216;It&#8217;s too early to do that&#8217; at which point I popped, so I was of absolutely no use to her whatsoever. Then I suffered my way up the climb.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As I said, it was my first experience of riding a mountain of that length, so when I saw the sign that said 10 kilometres to go, I was used to 10 kilometres in Belgian racing, so I was like, &#8216;That&#8217;s not too bad, is it?&#8217; And then I looked at my Garmin, and I was doing eight kilometres an hour. So obviously my heart absolutely dropped.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I slogged my way up. I did the next stage, and then I had to go back to Belgium to go and race in the Lotto Belgium Tour. So a few days later, I was racing up the Muur, I was alone on Mont Ventoux, and then I was alone on the Muur, but this time, I was off the front, going up the Muur.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b75c-91e8-11f1-9ba8-63e6df8c4004\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"margot-vanpachtenbeke-rode-the-climb-seven-times-in-memory-of-her-father-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Margot Vanpachtenbeke \u2013 rode the climb seven times in memory of her father<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b7ca-91e8-11f1-8944-ed8bb3fa4c00\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">One rider who isn&#8217;t racing the Tour this year but has created a very special Ventoux story is Margot Vanpachtenbeke (Lidl-Trek), who rode Ventoux seven times in a row to raise money and awareness for cancer research and treatment.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She racked up 295km and over 10,000m of climbing during her 15-hour effort, which saw her ride through the dark to reach seven ascents.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Climbing the Ventoux is a choice. The battle against cancer, unfortunately, is not,&#8221; she wrote on Instagram. &#8220;This is for all of you \u2013 and for dad.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-Dbso_BdDJJB\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Margot Vanpachtenbeke (@margot_vanpachtenbeke)<\/p><figcaption><cite><\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<p><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b838-91e8-11f1-a4a8-cbc66c13c75c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"puck-pieterse-rode-up-at-10-years-old-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Puck Pieterse \u2013 rode up at 10 years old<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b8a6-91e8-11f1-8a9d-896f3f0eef3d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If Justine Ghekiere riding all three sides at just 18 seems young, then imagine a 10-year-old Puck Pieterse rocketing up the climb, in less than two hours and on her mountain bike no less.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I rode it when I was 10, I think, on my mountain bike. I looked back, my time was one hour 58 minutes, so I hope to break that!<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a super cool climb, and we&#8217;ll just see day by day how I recover, but for now I still feel good, so I&#8217;m really excited.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pieterse is currently in the polka dot jersey, and stage 7 up to Ventoux will likely be pivotal in deciding whether she can defend that jersey from the<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b91e-91e8-11f1-83ab-c9d1f640f9bb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"amanda-spratt-only-been-up-on-recon-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Amanda Spratt \u2013 only been up on recon<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b98c-91e8-11f1-b39d-7ffb5439092e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For some of the more seasoned riders in the peloton, it&#8217;s a little surprising when they have never raced up Ventoux at all, given the handful of opportunities over the last few years.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Many of those who have never raced the climb have at least checked it out in recon, and that&#8217;s the case for Amanda Spratt, who will tick off this mythical climb in what is set to be her final Tour de France before retiring at the end of a 15-year career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve never been up it in a race, but we did recon it about a month ago,&#8221; the Lidl-Trek rider explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s long, hard, brutal. It&#8217;s a really hard climb, you&#8217;ve got that first part all through the forest, and there&#8217;s no real landmarks to tick off, so that makes it really hard. I think almost the last five or six kilometres are a bit easier, because at least you can see the top, even if it takes forever to get there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It will be interesting. It will also be interesting with the wind \u2013 I haven&#8217;t checked that actually, I&#8217;m just going day by day, so I haven&#8217;t checked the weather for tomorrow.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b9fa-91e8-11f1-b1f0-1159417be334\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ruby-roseman-gannon-rode-part-of-the-climb-on-a-family-holiday-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon \u2013 rode part of the climb on a family holiday<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854ba68-91e8-11f1-bc99-1ff09d4b8bf4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Other riders have experienced the climb exactly the way most of us laymen will: as a cyclo-tourist on a family holiday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Australia&#8217;s Ruby Roseman-Gannon took the opportunity after the Tour in 2024 to do just that. She DNF&#8217;d that edition of the Tour, so missed the opportunity to race up Alpe d&#8217;Huez, but ticked off another iconic family with her father \u2013 though she didn&#8217;t quite make it to the top.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been there once before with my dad on a family holiday after the Tour. I didn&#8217;t make it the whole way. I was doing efforts, and there were just so many touring cyclists up there. I couldn&#8217;t believe it, I&#8217;ve never been on a climb with so many tourist cyclists. I was going past doing my efforts, and then I had people on the wheel, and I was passing people and slowing down and losing speed,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I made it to above the tree line, and then I was like &#8216;OK, time to go home&#8217;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On Friday, she&#8217;ll be riding in support of Canada&#8217;s Nadia Gontova, who is set to make her own special memories on the climb, as she&#8217;ll be ascending Ventoux on the day of her 27th birthday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4854bad6-91e8-11f1-953d-05b878d8bbd8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to Cyclingnews. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"kiosq-app-paywall-js\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"this-will-be-used-for-mpu-2\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-zaofTaN846VrxLLbh4rbsE\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-zaofTaN846VrxLLbh4rbsE slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div id=\"viafoura-comments\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative max-w-[1070px] viafoura-twig-component mt-6 mx-4 lg:mx-0\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class=&apos;vfcustom-community-guidelines&apos;&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"relative h-(--truncate-height) sm:h-(--truncate-desktop-height) overflow-hidden transition-[height] duration-150\" data-test-id=\"container\" data-component-name=\"Util:Truncate\" id=\"viafoura-comments-container\">\n<div class=\"relative z-10 viafoura rounded-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\" id=\"viafoura-comment-wrapper\" data-test-id=\"content\">\n<div class=\"viafoura\">\n<div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute bg-gradient-to-t from-[var(--truncate-gradient-color,white)] from-50% h-28 z-20 w-full bottom-0 flex items-end justify-center px-0 rounded-none\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1 rounded-b-[var(--comment-widget-border-radius,0)]\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-lg!\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 text-sm!\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"infinite-container\" data-analytics-id=\"infinite-container\" data-component-name=\"SponsoredScroll\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"infinite-container\">\n<div class=\"infinite-trigger\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j8wD3sYVkGnWGvSUq96uVj.jpg\" alt=\"MALAUCENE FRANCE  JULY 07 The peloton passing through Mont Ventoux 1910m mountain landscape during the 108th Tour de France 2021 Stage 11 a 1989km km stage from Sorgues to Malaucne  Fog  Public  Fans  LeTour  TDF2021  on July 07 2021 in Malaucene France Photo by Michael SteeleGetty Images\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What is Mont Ventoux? All you need to know about the &#8216;bald mountain&#8217; that is part of the Tour de France<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe.png\" alt=\"Nicole Cooke climbs Mont Ventoux, with the summit above her, during the fifth stage of La Grande Boucle F\u00e9minine Internationale in 2006.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cooke&#8217;s Mont Ventoux masterclass and a C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur classic \u2013 A history of the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; key climbs<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sW9nsgPEaawes3ceCMvryb.jpg\" alt=\"Demi Vollering races alongside her FDJ United-SUEZ teammates during stage 5 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes to Belleville-en-Beaujolais\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It was the first-ever climb I did&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering ready to head back to where it all began as Tour de France Femmes prepares for Mont Ventoux queen stage<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn.jpg\" alt=\"Picture by Zac Williams\/SWpix.com - 22\/07\/2025 - Cycling - 2025 Tour de France Stage 16, Montpellier - Mont Ventoux, France - The grupetto make their way to the summit.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 7 preview \u2013 Queen stage set to deliver GC fireworks on Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM.jpg\" alt=\"CHATEL LES PORTES DU SOLEIL, FRANCE - AUGUST 03: (L-R) Sarah Gigante of Australia and Team AG Insurance - Soudal, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot of France and Team Visma | Lease a Bike - Yellow Leader Jersey, Niamh Fisher-Black of New Zealand and Team Lidl - Trek, Katarzyna Niewiadoma of Poland and Team CANYON\/\/SRAM zondacrypto and Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ - SUEZ compete in the chase group climbing to the Col de Joux Plane (1688m) during the 4th Tour de France Femmes 2025, Stage 9 a 124.1km stage from Praz-sur-Arly to Chatel Les Portes du Soleilon 1298m \/ #UCIWWT \/ August 03, 2025 in Chatel Les Portes du Soleil, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKTTfguGUFLfSH7XH62BYL.jpg\" alt=\"Kimberley Le Court Pienaar of Mauritius and Team AG Insurance - Soudal celebrates at finish line as stage 6 winner\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 6 sparks attacks, a GC chase and close sprint finish<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co.jpg\" alt=\"Cecile Lejeune and other elite women among Life Time Grand Prix compete at 2025 Leadville Trail 100 MTB\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB loses iconic Powerline climb due to wildfire but 2026 route &#8216;closely follows the traditional course&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk.jpg\" alt=\"TOURNON-SUR-RHONE, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Stage winner Kimberley Le Court Pienaar of Mauritius and Team AG Insurance - Soudal meets the fans after the 5th Tour de France Femmes 2026, Stage 6 a 153.4km stage from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhon \/ #UCIWWT \/ on August 06, 2026 in Tournon-sur-Rhone, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a late-night text to another stage win \u2013\u00a0Kim Le Court-Pienaar back on top in the hills at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rDW8Se9c6SxiWPeGQP87jk.jpg\" alt=\"Italian champion Elisa Longo Borghini is paced by UAE Team L&amp;#039;IMAD teammates at the 2026 Tour de France Femmes\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Despite &#8216;all the noise&#8217;, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s multi-leader approach working but Mont Ventoux could change everything at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe.jpg\" alt=\"TOURNON-SUR-RHONE, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ United - SUEZ competes during the 5th Tour de France Femmes 2026, Stage 6 a 153.4km stage from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhon \/ #UCIWWT \/ on August 06, 2026 in Tournon-sur-Rhone, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are where we want to be&#8217; \u2013 All going according to plan for Demi Vollering and FDJ United-SUEZ ahead of Tour de France Femmes Mont Ventoux showdown<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait of Marlen Reusser looking focused in yellow skinsuit, yellow helmet and yellow glasses at the start of stage 6 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re going to try to win the stage&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser ready to go big on Mont Ventoux in search of Tour de France Femmes victory<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QvJmVsGmVH3pLtR7rnskYW.jpg\" alt=\"TOURNON-SUR-RHONE, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Kimberley Le Court Pienaar of Mauritius and Team AG Insurance - Soudal celebrates at finish line as stage winner ahead of (L-R) Cedrine Kerbaol of France and Team EF Education - Oatly and Puck Pieterse of Netherlands and Team Fenix - Premier Tech - Polka Dot Mountain Jersey during the 5th Tour de France Femmes 2026, Stage 6 a 153.4km stage from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhon \/ #UCIWWT \/ on August 06, 2026 in Tournon-sur-Rhone, France. (Photo by Alex Broadway\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de France Femmes: Kim Le Court-Pienaar surges from small pack for stunning win on stage 6<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pxfP3EdqG4djgmgPWYf5Co.jpg\" alt=\"Cecile Lejeune and other elite women among Life Time Grand Prix compete at 2025 Leadville Trail 100 MTB\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Leadville Trail 100 MTB loses iconic Powerline climb due to wildfire but 2026 route &#8216;closely follows the traditional course&#8217;<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LgXY79pzuTDbUwGqtZqkQk.jpg\" alt=\"TOURNON-SUR-RHONE, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Stage winner Kimberley Le Court Pienaar of Mauritius and Team AG Insurance - Soudal meets the fans after the 5th Tour de France Femmes 2026, Stage 6 a 153.4km stage from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhon \/ #UCIWWT \/ on August 06, 2026 in Tournon-sur-Rhone, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">From a late-night text to another stage win \u2013\u00a0Kim Le Court-Pienaar back on top in the hills at the Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bBCkPGnV8Xr6h4nYTLAuoe.jpg\" alt=\"TOURNON-SUR-RHONE, FRANCE - AUGUST 06: Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ United - SUEZ competes during the 5th Tour de France Femmes 2026, Stage 6 a 153.4km stage from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhon \/ #UCIWWT \/ on August 06, 2026 in Tournon-sur-Rhone, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We are where we want to be&#8217; \u2013 All going according to plan for Demi Vollering and FDJ United-SUEZ ahead of Tour de France Femmes Mont Ventoux showdown<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Fkh6dWMVX24smt7pFy7HKh.jpg\" alt=\"Portrait of Marlen Reusser looking focused in yellow skinsuit, yellow helmet and yellow glasses at the start of stage 6 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We&#8217;re going to try to win the stage&#8217; \u2013 Marlen Reusser ready to go big on Mont Ventoux in search of Tour de France Femmes victory<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/XgJTfVPdnxUJPs5VrVTMJA.jpg\" alt=\"Giovanni Carboni pictured at the finish of a race\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Doping<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Four-year ban for Giovanni Carboni in biological passport doping case<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative mb-3.5\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jp9Lzm5k58pmQWE9qXruRn.jpg\" alt=\"2026 Tour de Pologne stage 4: riders are stopped after the crash\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] object-cover w-full h-full\"><\/p><\/div>\n<p>                                                                                                <span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Safety<\/span><\/p>\n<p>                            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Pologne stage 4 neutralised for nearly 40 minutes after major crash in peloton<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post max-w-full [&amp;.sponsored-post--loaded+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden [&amp;[data-bordeaux-hook-loaded]+.sponsored-post--placeholder]:hidden\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"max-w-full sponsored-post--placeholder animate-pulse\">\n<div class=\"relative!\">\n            <span class=\"font-ui-heading bg-(--ad-slot-badge-bg-color) absolute text-xs font-bold leading-[14px] tracking-normal text-left text-white px-2.5 py-[5px] left-0 top-0 empty:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"aspect-[var(--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9)] relative bg-gray-200\"><\/div>\n<p>            <span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"related-articles-block\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"ads\" id=\"ads-middle-1\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-ads widget-ads-middle-1 widget-ads-ads-middle-1 widget-no-data widget-ads-flexi_ads_middle1\">\n<div id=\"bdx_flexi_ads_middle1\" data-type=\"ads\" data-ads-type=\"bordeaux\" class=\"flexi_ads_middle1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar widget-empty-sidebar widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<div 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class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice\">\n<section class=\"popular-box\" data-component-name=\"Slice:PopularBox\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">\nLATEST ARTICLES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj.jpg\" alt=\"Wide shot of the top of Mont Ventoux and the iconic weather centre that sits on top of the mountain\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] popular-box__article-list__image image__image\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Volta a Portugal: Francisco Campos claims three-up sprint to win stage 1 in Sintra<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Despite &#8216;all the noise&#8217;, UAE Team L&#8217;IMAD&#8217;s multi-leader approach working but Mont Ventoux could change everything at the Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>From a late-night text to another stage win \u2013\u00a0Kim Le Court-Pienaar back on top in the hills at the Tour de France Femmes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">\n<p>Leadville Trail 100 MTB loses iconic Powerline climb due to wildfire but 2026 route &#8216;closely follows the traditional course&#8217;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"empty\" id=\"sidebar-popular-bottom\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-empty widget-sidebar-popular-bottom widget-empty-sidebar-popular-bottom ad-unit widget-no-data widget-empty\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<div id=\"kiosq-metered-message\" class=\"kiosq-metered-message-content\"><\/div>\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour de France Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>A proposal, a baptism of fire and an MTB ride at 10 years old \u2013\u00a0Everyone at the Tour de France Femmes has a Mont Ventoux story<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"vds-byline-block flex flex-row flex-nowrap my-1.5 gap-2 text-left items-start justify-start\" data-component-name=\"Article:BylineBlock\">\n<p>News<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-auto vds-simple-byline\">\n<span class=\"inline-block vds-author\"><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><br \/>\n<span class=\"inline-block h-3 my-auto border-l border-solid vds-simple-byline__divider max-sm:hidden\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"flex gap-1 vds-byline-with-avatar__meta\">\n<span class=\"vds-date block font-normal tracking-normal normal-case text-xs\"><br \/>\nPublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-08-06T23:14:43Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 August 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><br \/>\n<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The Bald Mountain was the talk of the town on stage 6, with even those who have never raced holding special memories of the climb<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"text-gray-700 flex items-center mx-0 my-5 p-0 justify-start text-left\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" 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aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b400-91e8-11f1-a566-1dbdc9738c2e\">There was a whole entire stage on Thursday, but to be honest, there was one big topic that dominated conversation at the Tour de France Femmes: Mont Ventoux.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-1\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p>A handful of riders in the peloton have raced up Ventoux before, either in the Tour de l&#8217;Ard\u00e8che or the Mont Ventoux D\u00e9nivel\u00e9 Challenge, and most of those that haven&#8217;t have either reconned it or ridden it as a punter.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-seasonal\"><\/a><\/p>\n<aside data-article-category=\"pro-cycling\" data-block-type=\"embed\" data-render-type=\"fte\" data-skip=\"dealsy\" data-widget-type=\"seasonal\" class=\"ecom-root\"><\/aside>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b400-91e8-11f1-a566-1dbdc9738c2e-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Very few riders seem to have never been up it before, opting to go in blind on stage 7, and even fewer seem to not have a story at all, whether it was personal memories, visits as a child or memorable racing moments.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-6 w-full overflow-hidden rounded-[10px] lg:my-8\" data-component-name=\"JwPlayer:Carousel\" data-jwp-carousel data-jwp-carousel-payload=\"{&quot;ids&quot;:{&quot;playerID&quot;:&quot;jYDCcabO&quot;,&quot;searchPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;divID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;fallbackPlaylistID&quot;:&quot;gwjdoYHD&quot;,&quot;fallbackDivID&quot;:&quot;botr_gwjdoYHD_jYDCcabO_div&quot;,&quot;key&quot;:&quot;X9\/mXVGac0NphghLH9hZaqWA5d3dhAM\/Ih07grnEyMLjuO2E&quot;,&quot;tintLogo&quot;:true,&quot;useSearchPlaylist&quot;:false,&quot;enabled&quot;:true},&quot;signPostingEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;signPostingLinkEnabled&quot;:true,&quot;waitForAdLoad&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnDesktop&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnMobile&quot;:false,&quot;hidePlayerOnTablet&quot;:false}\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-nowrap items-center justify-between gap-3 bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-header>\n<div class=\"flex min-w-0 shrink items-center\"><span class=\"inline-flex items-center gap-1.5 text-sm font-article-heading capitalize leading-5 text-white whitespace-nowrap\"><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-mobile\"><\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-title-desktop\">Latest Videos From<\/span><span class=\"jwp-carousel-brand\">Cyclingnews<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aspect-video w-full min-h-[200px] lg:min-h-[330px] relative overflow-hidden bg-black\" data-jwp-carousel-container>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full\" data-jwp-carousel-player-host><\/div>\n<div class=\"absolute inset-0 size-full items-center justify-center bg-white\" data-jwp-carousel-fallback><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"min-h-[44px] bg-zinc-900 px-[14px] py-3\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting><a class=\"invisible block truncate text-sm font-bold leading-5 text-white underline decoration-solid underline-offset-2\" data-jwp-carousel-signposting-link href target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-jwp-carousel-signposting-title>Watch full video here: <\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">My colleague Dani Ostanek tracked down some of the other riders to talk about their racing experiences, but it seemed to me like practically everyone at the race had some kind of story, whether it was our first racing memories as journalists, riders&#8217; experiences riding it, or even one rider who got engaged at the top of the climb.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ad-unit-2\" class=\"ad-unit\"><\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">This is a special climb that holds special memories for many people \u2013 here are some of my favourite Ventoux stories on the eve of the Tour de France Queen stage.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/j8wD3sYVkGnWGvSUq96uVj.jpg\" alt=\"MALAUCENE FRANCE  JULY 07 The peloton passing through Mont Ventoux 1910m mountain landscape during the 108th Tour de France 2021 Stage 11 a 1989km km stage from Sorgues to Malaucne  Fog  Public  Fans  LeTour  TDF2021  on July 07 2021 in Malaucene France Photo by Michael SteeleGetty Images\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">What is Mont Ventoux? All you need to know about the &#8216;bald mountain&#8217; that is part of the Tour de France<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8p6Mc4zX9wMKoj4au5g4qe.png\" alt=\"Nicole Cooke climbs Mont Ventoux, with the summit above her, during the fifth stage of La Grande Boucle F\u00e9minine Internationale in 2006.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Cooke&#8217;s Mont Ventoux masterclass and a C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur classic \u2013 A history of the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; key climbs<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sW9nsgPEaawes3ceCMvryb.jpg\" alt=\"Demi Vollering races alongside her FDJ United-SUEZ teammates during stage 5 of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes to Belleville-en-Beaujolais\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">&#8216;It was the first-ever climb I did&#8217; \u2013 Demi Vollering ready to head back to where it all began as Tour de France Femmes prepares for Mont Ventoux queen stage<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b586-91e8-11f1-b172-4fb76aaa92fc\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"justine-ghekiere-proposed-to-her-girlfriend-at-the-top-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Justine Ghekiere \u2013 proposed to her girlfriend at the top<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b608-91e8-11f1-829f-9351a890c899\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">One of our favourite Mont Ventoux stories floating around the paddock surely has to be Justine Ghekiere proposing to her girlfriend at the top of the climb a few weeks ago.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She&#8217;ll be hoping that the climb, which might be striking fear into others, will be a slightly more wholesome day for her.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zaofTaN846VrxLLbh4rbsE\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-zaofTaN846VrxLLbh4rbsE slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a special one for me, because in June I asked my girlfriend to marry me there, so a lot of good memories and good memories for tomorrow and the stage,&#8221; she explained at the start of stage 6.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I was planned to do a recon, and a lot of piece fell together on that day to do it, so why not? One of the things my girlfriend always said was &#8216;If you ask me, ask me on top of a mountain&#8217;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-DZkhFi6CJWw\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Justine Ghekiere (@ghekierejustine)<\/p><figcaption><cite><\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<p><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b6ee-91e8-11f1-a74f-8399c40aa02f\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did it easy with my girlfriend, but tomorrow I don&#8217;t think it will be so easy. It&#8217;s a very hard climb, especially the first 10k is really hard, so I hope for good legs.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pt-2 pb-0 mb-4\">\n        <span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[&apos;&apos;] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[&apos;&apos;] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,1em)] uppercase sm:text-[length:var(--article-river-title--font-size,0.875em)] font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0 max-w-full\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RawbiQZcggVtgk5iLwFfEn.jpg\" alt=\"Picture by Zac Williams\/SWpix.com - 22\/07\/2025 - Cycling - 2025 Tour de France Stage 16, Montpellier - Mont Ventoux, France - The grupetto make their way to the summit.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Tour de France Femmes 2026 stage 7 preview \u2013 Queen stage set to deliver GC fireworks on Mont Ventoux<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dbzz8VNsXoCE8rLCWo5WfM.jpg\" alt=\"CHATEL LES PORTES DU SOLEIL, FRANCE - AUGUST 03: (L-R) Sarah Gigante of Australia and Team AG Insurance - Soudal, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot of France and Team Visma | Lease a Bike - Yellow Leader Jersey, Niamh Fisher-Black of New Zealand and Team Lidl - Trek, Katarzyna Niewiadoma of Poland and Team CANYON\/\/SRAM zondacrypto and Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Team FDJ - SUEZ compete in the chase group climbing to the Col de Joux Plane (1688m) during the 4th Tour de France Femmes 2025, Stage 9 a 124.1km stage from Praz-sur-Arly to Chatel Les Portes du Soleilon 1298m \/ #UCIWWT \/ August 03, 2025 in Chatel Les Portes du Soleil, France. (Photo by Tim de Waele\/Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">Delving beyond the Mont Ventoux showstopper: Analysing the key stages of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" id=\"recirculation-inline-2-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n<p>    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/eKTTfguGUFLfSH7XH62BYL.jpg\" alt=\"Kimberley Le Court Pienaar of Mauritius and Team AG Insurance - Soudal celebrates at finish line as stage 6 winner\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] aspect-square size-[75px] object-cover shrink-0 rounded-lg\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <span class=\"w-full text-base font-[var(--article-river-item--font-weight,500)] font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2\">As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 6 sparks attacks, a GC chase and close sprint finish<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I did it also when I was 18 years old, on a vacation, and I did all three sides in one day, so that was my first experience. I like it.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I think tomorrow is a full GC day. They will go all-out on that climb to make as much time up as possible.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For Ghekiere, that might mean going in the break or supporting Kim Le Court-Pienaar where she can on the climb, but she did confirm one thing: her girlfriend \u2013 now fianc\u00e9e \u2013 will be there watching.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-5036e068-91ec-11f1-bb7b-73adb89c1348\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dani-christmas-a-baptism-of-fire-in-the-ardeche-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Dani Christmas \u2013\u00a0A baptism of fire in the Ard\u00e8che<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-5036e0e0-91ec-11f1-959f-ab01f80c7eed\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">I dropped a text to commentator and AG Insurance-Soudal director Dani Christmas, who revealed that it was the first mountain she ever tackled in a race \u2013 quite the baptism of fire \u2013 when she rode Ventoux in the Tour de l&#8217;Ard\u00e8che in 2016, finishing 40th out of 107 riders. The winner on that day? Future Olympic champion Anna Kiesenhofer.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ventoux that day was a complete baptism of fire for the British rider, and most certainly sent her back to Belgium with new appreciation for the short Flemish bergs.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;The longest mountain I had ever ridden before that point was six kilometres,&#8221; Christmas told me. &#8220;I was training for Tour de l&#8217;Ard\u00e8che in Belgium, training on the Congoberg, which is about one and a half kilometres. So obviously, I was woefully underprepared for such a race, but it was a really good experience for me to get in with a UCI team, because it was in my first years of racing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"fancy-box kiosq-b\" id=\"elk-5036e144-91ec-11f1-9503-3b9b6a6e6517\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fancy_box-title\">More on Ventoux<\/div>\n<div class=\"fancy_box_body\">\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure \">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Dtw5efBSoGcPKQaWPkvnBm.png\" alt=\"Nicole Cooke climbs Mont Ventoux, with the summit looming overhead.\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"rounded-[var(--image--border-radius,0)] pinterest-pin-exclude\">\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"fancy-box__body-text\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cooke&#8217;s Mont Ventoux masterclass and a C\u00f4te d&#8217;Azur classic \u2013 A history of the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; key climbs<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>What is Mont Ventoux?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-5036e1b2-91ec-11f1-9e0a-b387a93406bb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;My task on that given day was to be in the breakaway and to try and be a bit of a satellite rider for our GC rider, Flavia Oliveira. She actually went on to win the race. So I initiated the breakaway, and there was about six of us maybe in the breakaway. Obviously, Anna Kiesenhofer was in there. I proceeded to get myself dropped from said breakaway just before we came towards the climb. My sports director came to me and said that I needed to pull full gas for about two kilometres on the climb, which, when you&#8217;re obviously absolutely dead, that was wonderful news to hear.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;So when the group of favorites came, I went to Flavia and said, &#8216;Okay, I need to pull&#8217; and she said &#8216;It&#8217;s too early to do that&#8217; at which point I popped, so I was of absolutely no use to her whatsoever. Then I suffered my way up the climb.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;As I said, it was my first experience of riding a mountain of that length, so when I saw the sign that said 10 kilometres to go, I was used to 10 kilometres in Belgian racing, so I was like, &#8216;That&#8217;s not too bad, is it?&#8217; And then I looked at my Garmin, and I was doing eight kilometres an hour. So obviously my heart absolutely dropped.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I slogged my way up. I did the next stage, and then I had to go back to Belgium to go and race in the Lotto Belgium Tour. So a few days later, I was racing up the Muur, I was alone on Mont Ventoux, and then I was alone on the Muur, but this time, I was off the front, going up the Muur.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b75c-91e8-11f1-9ba8-63e6df8c4004\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"margot-vanpachtenbeke-rode-the-climb-seven-times-in-memory-of-her-father-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Margot Vanpachtenbeke \u2013 rode the climb seven times in memory of her father<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b7ca-91e8-11f1-8944-ed8bb3fa4c00\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">One rider who isn&#8217;t racing the Tour this year but has created a very special Ventoux story is Margot Vanpachtenbeke (Lidl-Trek), who rode Ventoux seven times in a row to raise money and awareness for cancer research and treatment.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">She racked up 295km and over 10,000m of climbing during her 15-hour effort, which saw her ride through the dark to reach seven ascents.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;Climbing the Ventoux is a choice. The battle against cancer, unfortunately, is not,&#8221; she wrote on Instagram. &#8220;This is for all of you \u2013 and for dad.&#8221;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"elk-Dbso_BdDJJB\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">\n<div class=\"instagram-embed\">\n<blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-version=\"6\">\n<p>A post shared by Margot Vanpachtenbeke (@margot_vanpachtenbeke)<\/p><figcaption><cite><\/p>\n<p>A photo posted by on <\/p>\n<p><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b838-91e8-11f1-a4a8-cbc66c13c75c\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"puck-pieterse-rode-up-at-10-years-old-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Puck Pieterse \u2013 rode up at 10 years old<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b8a6-91e8-11f1-8a9d-896f3f0eef3d\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">If Justine Ghekiere riding all three sides at just 18 seems young, then imagine a 10-year-old Puck Pieterse rocketing up the climb, in less than two hours and on her mountain bike no less.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I rode it when I was 10, I think, on my mountain bike. I looked back, my time was one hour 58 minutes, so I hope to break that!<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a super cool climb, and we&#8217;ll just see day by day how I recover, but for now I still feel good, so I&#8217;m really excited.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Pieterse is currently in the polka dot jersey, and stage 7 up to Ventoux will likely be pivotal in deciding whether she can defend that jersey from the<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b91e-91e8-11f1-83ab-c9d1f640f9bb\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"amanda-spratt-only-been-up-on-recon-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Amanda Spratt \u2013 only been up on recon<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854b98c-91e8-11f1-b39d-7ffb5439092e\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">For some of the more seasoned riders in the peloton, it&#8217;s a little surprising when they have never raced up Ventoux at all, given the handful of opportunities over the last few years.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Many of those who have never raced the climb have at least checked it out in recon, and that&#8217;s the case for Amanda Spratt, who will tick off this mythical climb in what is set to be her final Tour de France before retiring at the end of a 15-year career.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve never been up it in a race, but we did recon it about a month ago,&#8221; the Lidl-Trek rider explained.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It&#8217;s long, hard, brutal. It&#8217;s a really hard climb, you&#8217;ve got that first part all through the forest, and there&#8217;s no real landmarks to tick off, so that makes it really hard. I think almost the last five or six kilometres are a bit easier, because at least you can see the top, even if it takes forever to get there.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;It will be interesting. It will also be interesting with the wind \u2013 I haven&#8217;t checked that actually, I&#8217;m just going day by day, so I haven&#8217;t checked the weather for tomorrow.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"elk-4854b9fa-91e8-11f1-b1f0-1159417be334\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"ruby-roseman-gannon-rode-part-of-the-climb-on-a-family-holiday-3\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Ruby Roseman-Gannon \u2013 rode part of the climb on a family holiday<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-4854ba68-91e8-11f1-bc99-1ff09d4b8bf4\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Other riders have experienced the climb exactly the way most of us laymen will: as a cyclo-tourist on a family holiday.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">Australia&#8217;s Ruby Roseman-Gannon took the opportunity after the Tour in 2024 to do just that. She DNF&#8217;d that edition of the Tour, so missed the opportunity to race up Alpe d&#8217;Huez, but ticked off another iconic family with her father \u2013 though she didn&#8217;t quite make it to the top.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been there once before with my dad on a family holiday after the Tour. I didn&#8217;t make it the whole way. I was doing efforts, and there were just so many touring cyclists up there. I couldn&#8217;t believe it, I&#8217;ve never been on a climb with so many tourist cyclists. I was going past doing my efforts, and then I had people on the wheel, and I was passing people and slowing down and losing speed,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">&#8220;I made it to above the tree line, and then I was like &#8216;OK, time to go home&#8217;.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\">On Friday, she&#8217;ll be riding in support of Canada&#8217;s Nadia Gontova, who is set to make her own special memories on the climb, as she&#8217;ll be ascending Ventoux on the day of her 27th birthday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4854bad6-91e8-11f1-953d-05b878d8bbd8\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"kiosq-b\"><em><strong>Support our unrivalled coverage of the Tour de France Femmes and women&#8217;s cycling by subscribing to Cyclingnews. In return, you get unlimited access to high-quality journalism, with breaking news, race analysis, and expert insight from inside the women&#8217;s peloton. Plus, the Cyclingnews app lets you follow the action wherever you go! <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>Join today.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/a-proposal-a-baptism-of-fire-and-an-mtb-ride-at-10-years-old-everyone-at-the-tour-de-france-femmes-has-a-mont-ventoux-story\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4kw9t6jbeQdXLJULVHWzRj-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] 1 As it happened: Tour de France Femmes stage 4 time trial sparks big time gaps and creates a new GC battle 2 As it happened: An 85km solo attack is rewarded with the stage victory and the leader&#8217;s yellow jersey 3 As it happened: Attacks in the Beaujolais hills shake up [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-2081755","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2081755","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2081755"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2081755\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2081755"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2081755"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2081755"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}