This is why the Mont Ventoux stage had to be shortened (video)
A group of cyclists struggle in the wind at the top of Mont Ventoux the day before the Tour de France visits

A video shot at the top of Mont Ventoux on Wednesday shows just why the Tour de France peloton will not reach the summit of the famous mountain on stage 12.
The Bastille Day showdown on the Bald Mountain will be cut short by six kilometres, with the stage now finishing at Chalet Reynard, because of winds of over 100kph forecast at the top.
A group of cyclists filmed the video above, showing some riders barely able to cling on to their bikes as they fought against the gales.
ITV's Matt Rendell also went near the top on Thursday morning and it sounds pretty blustery...
It's not uncommon for the mountain to be closed due to high winds, with a reported 240 days per year recording gusts of over 90kph.
The list of stage winners on Ventoux is pretty star studded, comprising Eddy Merckx, Raymond Poulidor, Bernard Thevenet, Marco Pantani and Chris Froome.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
'I hope to be back soon' - Egan Bernal fractures collarbone in crash, bringing promising early season to an end
The Colombian was racing for the first time in his new national champion's jersey at the Clásica Jaén
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers win first pro race in 226 days as Michał Kwiatkowski triumphs at Clásica Jaén
It was the Pole's 32nd professional victory, and his first since 2023
By Adam Becket Published
-
Extra security meant Bern's hosting of Tour de France cost £500,000 more than expected
Tour de France cost Swiss capital of Bern more that it thought it would
By Jack Elton-Walters Published
-
Vincenzo Nibali slams critics of his Tour de France performance
Vincenzo Nibali says he's 'not a robot' and can't be expected to compete with those specifically targeting the Tour overall
By Gregor Brown Published
-
Tony Martin reveals why he had to abandon Tour de France on Champs Élysées
Tony Martin made it all the way to final