DISCOVER: Provence and Mont Ventoux
Experience Tuscany Like Never Before
Provence and Mont Ventoux
ABOUT THIS TRIP
“Like a dream.” That’s how Eros Poli describes his historic solo win over Mont Ventoux. A quarter of a century later, his courageous ride has become the stuff of legend, and it remains one of the most memorable stage victories in Tour de France history, a rare example of underdog success on one of the biggest climbs at the world’s biggest bike race.
We’re returning to that mountain to celebrate our man’s greatest success with a very special trip. The Ventoux is always a memorable climb, but riding up its slopes with someone who conquered it in such spectacular fashion, with the whole world watching, is a rare treat. This is your chance to relive the excitement and the emotions, to picture the mountain erupting with color and noise as Poli electrified the huge crowds, to experience one of cycling’s greatest challenges with the kind of insight, support and equipment that only inGamba can offer. We’ll also introduce you to a side of Provence that few visitors get to see. You’ll ride through hilltop towns and spectacular countryside, and indulge in the food and wine that has made this part of France so famous.
- All lodging*†
- All food and beverages**
- Pinarello Dogma F Disk with SRAM RED eTap AXS
- Daily Bike Wash
- Custom Castelli × inGamba cycling kit
- Daily post-ride massage from a professional soigneur
- Laundry service for cycling clothing
*Pre/post-trip lodging is not included
†Flights are not included
**Beverages ordered by guests beyond normal amounts and away from group activities will incur additional charges
MEET THE GUIDES
EROS POLI
THE CHAMPION
The night before Eros Poli took victory atop Mont Ventoux he couldn’t sleep. It was not like he was dreaming of victory or even had the slightest idea the next day’s stage would change his life forever. It was just that it was hot. Unbearably, unsleepably hot in his less-than stellar French hotel. His roommate had taken his mattress off the bed and was sleeping on the small balcony outside their room. And the man who would shortly become known as Monsieur Ventoux was watching football, Italy vs. Brazil in the World Cup final, to be exact. Italy lost. The following morning as Eros dragged his weary, tired legs out of bed and down the stairs, as there was no lift, James Brown came into his head. “I feel good, I knew that I would now,” started to repeat over and over in his head. As it would the rest of the day. He felt good and the rest, as they say, is history.
Paulo Crispim
Paulo began mountain biking at the early age of 16, and soon his love for bicycles, road cycling, and mechanics were there. Almost a decade later, he decided to take the risk and become a bicycle mechanic, but he never stopped participating in granfondos and amateur races. He joined inGamba as a mechanic in 2019 and now he is also one of our guides.
THE TRIP AT A GLANCE
START LOCATION:
Marseille
FINISH LOCATION:
Marseille
TOTAL ELEVATION:
8,091m
TOTAL DISTANCE:
396km
DAYS RIDING:
6
GROUP SIZE:
12-18
LONGEST DAY:
Day 2 – 82km
Gorges de la Nesque
BIGGEST CLIMBING DAY:
Day 6 – 1,866m
Mont Ventoux