This weekend a group of 8 cyclists and 2 support drivers from across the DCM, Syndicate and UK Issuer community completed the Mont Ventoux 1, 2, 3 challenge in memory of our former friend and colleague David Kirby, who sadly passed away following his battle with cancer in March 2018

Located in the South of France, the Mont Ventoux (also known as the Beast of Provence or Windy Mountain) is one of cycling’s legendary mountains and is widely considered to be the hardest climb in the world. Climbing it once is tough enough and riding all three sides in a day involves approx. 4,400m of climbing over 137km

The ride itself involved up to 3 ascents in a single day – a suitably epic challenge in memory of an inspirational guy. Whilst we were fortunate to avoid the strong wind speeds typically associated with the Ventoux, we did as a result have to cope with a very hot second and third ascent! A few photos below to give you a flavour of the challenge…

We would like to thank everyone for their generosity in supporting the David Kirby Legacy Trust. For those yet to do so, you can still donate via this website. As a reminder, the purpose of the David Kirby Legacy Trust is to leave a lasting legacy in David’s name, principally to benefit his one year old son, Max

Thank you again for your support

Tom, Pete, Rob, John, Chris, Dan G, Dan D, Will, Piers and Ed (Team Ventoux)

5 “interesting” facts about Mont Ventoux

1. The name Mont Ventoux translates as "Windy Mountain" – wind speeds as high as 320 km/h have been recorded and the wind blows at 90+ km/h 240 days a year. The last 3km are particularly exposed and are often subject to strong, violent winds / hail storms

2. Mont Ventoux has become legendary as the scene of one of the most grueling climbs in the Tour de France, which has ascended the mountain 16 times since 1951 (incl. 9 summit finishes). The last time the Tour visited the mountain was in 2016 – this stage also featured a memorable motorcycle-induced crash which damaged race leader (and eventual winner) Chris Froome's bike, prompting him to jog some 100m up the mountain until he was able to get a replacement bike

3. The typical temperature difference between the summit and the foot of the mountain is upwards of 10 degrees. Wind-chill can make this significantly greater

4. The mountain can be ascended by 3 different routes (from Bedoin, Malaucene and Sault). The ride from Bedoin to the summit is thought to be one of the most physically challenging climbs in the world

5. Those who achieve 3 ascents in a single day (one from each side), become official members of the “Club des Cinglés du Mont-Ventoux". Riders must obtain stamps at 6 checkpoints: one at the foot of each climb and at the summit