5 July, 2008. We did it! See the map below and pictures at this link which plot the day: http://www.kodakgallery.co.uk/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=avmjand.2000elg55&Uy=8890ul&Ux=0&localeid=en_GB 

At 5.30am on a dark, but clear and still morning, Bill set off from Vaison base camp. The first climb of 1,600 metres from Malaucene took 1hr.50. After a rapid descent reaching over 50mph in places, Bill met up with the back up team of Jennie and Jan at Bedouin for coffee and croissant at 8.30. The second climb, also of 1,600 metres again took 1hr.50. Meanwhile, at 9am, the Maypole crew of Matt, John and Pete set off from Sault for the 1,200 metre ascent. We met up at Tommie Simpson's memorial for the last and hardest section in the blazing heat.    

At about 2.00pm, Bill reached the top of Le Mont Ventoux for the third time, again in 1hr.50. John, Matt and Pete were right behind. John and Matt were by far the youngest bikers on the mountain that day. Respect to them. Cheers and congratulations greeted them from admiring well wishes on the final punishing bend, followed by presentations looking down on stunning scenery. And then the well deserved descent and a day of r&r in French rivers the next day. The back up crew of Jennie and Jan were amazing throughout and Pete even gained 10Euro sponsorship en route!

We reached the top. Vive le Velo and thank you for all your encouragement, interest and immense support. Hmmmmm. What next?  

Bill, Pete, Matt, John, Jennie and Jan