On a beautiful Sunday riders gathered in Vaison-la-Romaine to take on one of the most challenging gran fondo races in southern France – Santini Gran Fondo Mont Ventoux.

With a few COVID adaptations, including mandatory masks at start, no awards and just water at aid stations, 1910 riders began their journey around Provence to reach the top of legendary Mont Ventoux.

Competition was fierce in the 85km medio fondo with Ludovic Delpech decisively out climbing multiple Haute Route champion Ruari Grant to win in 2:33:30.  Benjamin Koch finished third.

Catheline Ramonet won the Women’s Medio Fondo in 2:59:47, followed by Margot Lauzier and Sabrina Curtil.

In the gran fondo race 40+ year-old Thomas Lemaitre finished the gruelling 135km course in 4:12:42, almost three minutes in front of former Ag2r–La Mondiale professional cyclist Julien Berard and Adrien Vuillier.

Severine Jouan won the Women’s gran fondo race in 4:47:36 with Camille Udny and Emilie Bottini taking second and third respectively atop the 1909m Giant of Provence.

Worldwide Gran Fondo and Gravel Fondo Calendar