Tom Simpson's Mont Ventoux memorial back to former glory with help from Thomas De Gendt (video)
Lotto-Soudal's Thomas De Gendt - the last rider to win on Mont Ventoux - helps with constructing some new steps up to the Tom Simpson Memorial on the iconic climb
The memorial to Tom Simpson situated on the road to the summit of Mont Ventoux in France has been fully restored, with a little help from pro rider Thomas De Gendt (Lotto-Soudal).
De Gendt was the last rider to win on Mont Ventoux, taking the Tour de France stage 12 victory in July albeit on a shortened version of the original route due to high winds.
It was the high winds and extreme weather conditions on the barren slopes of Ventoux that saw the memorial to British rider Simpson suffer damage in the autumn of 2013.
The memorial had suffered significant damage after a storm in 2013
De Gendt's team sponsor Soudal - manufacturer of adhesives and sealants - provided assistance with the construction of new steps up to the monument.
A video of De Gendt helping out with the repairs was shown during Lotto-Soudal's 2017 team launch.
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David Millar nods in respect to the Simpson Memorial on Mont Ventoux during the 2000 Dauphine Libere. Photo: Graham Watson
(Image credit: Watson)
The memorial was originally erected to mark the spot where Simpson died during the 1967 Tour de France. It was funded via donations from the public after an appeal by Cycling magazine, the forerunner of Cycling Weekly.
Many riders tackling the long and gruelling ascent on Ventoux stop off at the memorial, with some leaving bidons, flowers or other items as a mark of respect to Simpson.
Next year will be the 50th anniversary of Simpson's death.
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Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
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