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.
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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.
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