Cycling in Switzerland: What are the 3x ascents of Mont Ventoux?
The three cycling ascents of Mont Ventoux are from Bédoin, Malaucène, and Sault. The Bédoin ascent is considered the hardest, while the Sault climb is the easiest. All three are challenging and are part of the “Club des Cinglés du Mont-Ventoux” challenge, which involves climbing all three sides in one day! Below is a summary of all three sides of Mont Ventoux, all of them over 20kms in length, with varying gradients:
- Bédoin: This is the most famous and most difficult ascent, with a length of about 21.5km and an average gradient of 7.5%. It features a long, sustained climb with some very steep sections.
- Malaucène: This is a slightly shorter and more challenging climb than the one from Sault, at about 21.2km with an average gradient of 7.2%. It contains some of the steepest pitches on the mountain, particularly a two-mile section that can reach 11-12%.
- Sault: This is the easiest of the three ascents, with a length of about 25.7km and a lower average gradient of 4.5%. It is a longer, more gradual climb compared to the other two. Now this is some spectacular cycling in Switzerland!
Forever young on the SWISS EPIC
Here are some grand tours projects for cycling in Switzerland
- Alpine grand tours project – There’s much more than cheese, chocolate and cows in Switzerland… it’s a hidden gem for road cycling, with some of the world’s best and most beautiful climbs and descents, right in the heart of Europe. Cycling in Switzerland.
- Swiss passes grand tours project – Climb the mighty Grosse Scheidegg, the Grimselpass. The Nufenenpass. And finish with the ridiculously scenic Tremola – a cobbled pass with an endless set of switchbacks. Cycling Grimsel pass.
- Swiss grand tours project – Ticino is perhaps a jewel of a canton, a Swiss anomaly. Separated from the rest of the country by the high Alps, this beautiful region is infused with the warmth of a Mediterranean climate, earning it the affectionate German moniker of Sonnenstube – the Sun Porch. Here, the renowned efficiency of Switzerland blends effortlessly with Italian language, cuisine, and la dolce vita. Cycling in the Alps.
- Switzerland grand tours project – We will climb breathtaking alpine passes in Switzerland, surrounded by glaciers, lakes and beautifully preserved villages. And then tackle the Tour de France classics in the French Alps. The climax of the tour is the infamous Mont Ventoux. Where you will have the opportunity to climb the 3 variants of the majestic Mont Ventoux! Cycling up Mont Ventoux.
CHF: Send your bicycle to go cycling Switzerland!
Where you are off to go and climb Mont Ventoux (we will send your road bike). Or whether you are off to go and participate in the SWISS EPIC (we will send your MTB). Getting to cycling in Switzerland with your bicycle should never be a problem. Just ask #bicyclecouriers!
