Ventoux

Theyre all scared. Everybodys afraid Eddy Merckx Nothing compares to the Ventoux Lance Armstrong 'Heart-stirring and jaw-dropping in equal measure' Tim Moore The French call Ventoux the killer mountain and in 1967 it claimed its most famous victim, as former world champion Tom Simpson died near the summit during that years Tour de France. The terrible ascent of Ventouxs south side encapsulates both the brutality and beauty of this cruel sport, but also highlights cyclings ongoing battle to distance itself from its demons. Yet it was the legendary and extreme climb of Mont Ventoux that first inspired award-winning author Jeremy Whittles love of cycling, so much so that he bought a house in its shadows. Ventoux is his memoir to the Giant of Provence in which he reveals the little-known history of the Ventoux, and tells the story of a monstrous climb that has driven riders to near-hysteria and also to wild extremes of doping. It has provided the spectacular backdrop to some of cyclings most titanic contests, exposing the true character of those who take on the challenge. Through a series of revealing conversations with Lance Armstrong, Dave Brailsford, Alastair Campbell, Nicole Cooke, Tyler Hamilton, Eddy Merckx, Simpsons daughter, Joanne, and many others, Whittle details the poignancy of bitter memories, flawed obsessions and ruthless ambition that have made the Ventoux so feared and so infamous. 'Highly recommend Jeremy Whittle's Ventoux - a fascinating and expert insight into the mountain and into the current state of pro racing' Peter Cossins