Stage Details

Stage 14 - Sunday, July 21: Lodève - Mont Ventoux

Distance:	221km
Start Location:	Parc Municipal, Lodève
Start Time:	Flying Start: 11:21 a.m. on N.9, entry to Soumont.
Description:	Course: At 221km, this is the second longest stage of the Tour. In a way, it is two separate stages: the 200km through the limestone foothills of the Cévennes and across the wide valley of the Rhône to Bedoin; and the climb up the mighty Mont Ventoux, rising 5300 feet in the last 21km at an average grade of 7.6 percent. The so-called Giant of Provence so dominates the view in this region, that the riders will be able to see the mountain rising through the haze a couple of hours before they reach it. The steepest part of the Ventoux, averaging 10 percent, comes between 16km and 6km from the summit. History: Four road stages of the Tour have finished atop the Ventoux. In 1965, Raymond Poulidor out-dueled Spanish climber Julio Jiménez; in 1970, Eddy Merckx came in alone, 1:11 ahead of Vandenbossche; in 1972, Thévenet won solo, 34 seconds ahead of Merckx; and in 2000, Pantani crossed the line ahead of a benevolent Armstrong, 25 seconds clear of Beloki. Favorites: Having given up this stage to Pantani two years ago, Armstrong is unlikely to give any presents away this time. He would love to add his name to the list of winners on this prestigious peak.