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Dead Man CyclingMont Ventoux: One of the world’s most notorious cycling climbs

At almost 6,000 feet above sea level, Mont Ventoux is regarded as being a challenge for any cyclist. Often described as cycling in an oven, both sun and heat are reflected from the almost-white limestone, lunar landscape.

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Clouds lie over St Pierre de Vassols in Provence with the iconic Ventoux summit looming large in the background

Dead Man Cycling

  • Clouds lie over St Pierre de Vassols in Provence with the iconic Ventoux summit looming large in the background
  • The desert of sun bleached rock approaching the summit of Mont Ventoux.
  • Cyclists leave the shade and protection of the wooded incline to be faced with imposing and lung busting assent to the summit
  • With the goal in sight, the last section can be the toughest
  • David nearing the Tom Simpson memorial on the route from Bedoin, within sight of the summit
  • In blistering heat and blinding light, cyclists have to contend with mighty inclines on all three routes up Mont Ventoux
  • After reaching the summit, David collapses to the ground exhausted with the sheer effort of the climb

This gallery is from

  • Dead Man Cycling

    The life and career struggles faced by gold medal-winning Paralympian David Smith.

    BBC Two Scotland

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