Sportive

Three-day Haute Route Ventoux sportive launched for 2017

Multi-day sportive in October 2017 to finish with a time trial on the Giant of Provence

The Haute Route multi-day sportive series has been expanded to include a new three-day event centred around Mont Ventoux.

The Haute Route series already includes week-long sportives in the Pyrenees, Alps and Dolomites, as well as an event in the Rockies, which will take place for the first time in 2017.

The Haute Route Ventoux has now been announced as another new event for 2017 and will take place on October 6-8.

The Haute Route series has expanded to five events for 2017, with the addition of a three-day ride centered around Mont Ventoux (Pic: Manu Molle)

Organisers OC Sport say the three-stage event will offer entrants the same ‘ride like a pro’ experience as existing Haute Route events, with fully timed and ranked stages with mechanical support, but over a shorter time and based from one central location. Riders will arrive late on the Thursday and the event will finish on Sunday morning.

“Many riders are not able to commit to the full seven days required for the main Haute Route events either because of work or family commitments, or perhaps because they would like to try a ‘taster’ first,” said event director Benjamin Chandelier.

“We recognise that and believe the new family of Haute Route events will fit their requirements while still offering a big test on the bike.”

The full course will be announced following a test event to be held in the next few months but is expected to cover 270km, with more than 7,500m of ascent. It has already been confirmed the Haute Route Ventoux will end with an individual time trial at the summit of the Giant of Provence, 1,912m above sea level.

The Haute Route Ventoux will cover 270km and more than 7,500m of ascent (Pic: Manu Molle)

Organisers say the Haute Route Ventoux has been devised and given its autumn place in the calendar to appeal to riders as an end-of-season target, possibly after they have competed one of the main European events.

The first 100 entries will be sold at 595 euros, with prices rising during phase two of the entry process. For more information and to enter, head to the Haute Route website.