Étape du Tour de France Femmes 2026: 111 km to Mont Ventoux

Wake-up call at 5 a.m. to fuel properly before the race. The start is scheduled for 8:12 a.m. and we still need to get to Vaison-la-Romaine. On the way, the roads are quickly blocked and we have to ride the final few kilometers by bike. We arrive well ahead of time in the start pen, giving me enough time to film my YouTube introduction and chat with my friend Stéphane, with whom I will share this race.

Starting from Vaison-la-Romaine

After 8 a.m., we start moving from pen 9 toward the start line. It feels like a rolling start under a beautiful sun. Today’s program: 111.7 km with 2,950 meters of elevation gain on the updated official route, including the climb up Mont Ventoux to close the stage.

Here we go for the Étape du Tour de France Femmes!

Official distance	111.7 km
Official elevation gain	2,950 m
Start	Vaison-la-Romaine
Finish	Mont Ventoux
Start time	8:12 a.m.
Total distance with return	132 km

Official route

The official route links Vaison-la-Romaine to the top of Mont Ventoux through the Col de Suzette, the Col de la Madeleine, Bédoin and Chalet Reynard.

Official documents: route PDF · GPX track

A simple plan: save energy

With Stéphane, our race plan is quite simple: start very calmly, speed up later, and keep enough strength for the final 20 km climb.

The first difficulty of the day comes with the Col de Propiac (4.3 km at 6% average gradient). It is a small climb, but it already sets the tone for the ascents to come. From that point, the course becomes mostly downhill until the first feed zone and a little beyond.

First feed zone at km 34

Speaking of feed zones, the first one arrives at km 34. There are fruit jellies, bananas, crackers, almonds, madeleines and, most importantly, everything needed to refill the bottles: still water, sparkling water, Coke and isotonic drink.

We end up in groups of strong riders and the average speed on this section sits around 40 to 45 km/h. There are a few rare climbs before reaching the second feed zone at km 64.

Second feed zone: useful, but not perfect

Bike racks are set up so riders can refuel on foot and avoid blocking others. Despite that, many people still move around by bike, which is really frustrating. This is definitely something the organization should improve.

At this feed zone, there is also some saucisson, which feels great after so many sweet options.

Toward Suzette, la Madeleine and Bédoin

We set off again knowing that the Col de Suzette and the Col de la Madeleine are still ahead before the final full feed zone in Bédoin. My legs are starting to feel heavy and I can sense that cramps are not far away. I drink as much as possible to delay them for as long as I can.

There are far more rolling climbs and descents on this part of the course, and the heat becomes increasingly heavy on the body. Kilometer 90 arrives after the two climbs and then comes the surprise: a huge crowd at the feed zone and a very long wait.

We waited around 20 to 25 minutes to refill with water. A short break is not unwelcome, but it is less enjoyable under a blazing sun. The Ventoux climb is still waiting after that!

Ventoux in sight

We can see the Giant of Provence in the distance. From here, it is all uphill for the final 20 kilometers, with around 1,500 meters of elevation gain. Just that.

From this point, my gravel bike choice becomes more punishing, with two gears refusing to shift on the small chainring. Bad timing.

The gradient gets genuinely steep from the fifth kilometer of the climb, and I split the ascent into sections, stopping roughly every 2 km. There is an extra water point at km 100, and it is genuinely useful.

The next one comes at km 105. There, I call on Shimano assistance, available at several points on the route, to adjust my derailleur. They are my saviors. Thank you!

Chalet Reynard, cramps and the summit

From Chalet Reynard, at km 105, there are only 6 small kilometers left. It is also the moment when Mont Ventoux comes back into view.

Unfortunately, 2 kilometers from the finish, a cramp in my left thigh completely stops me. I walk for one kilometer before I can get back on the bike. I pay very close attention to avoid another cramp and somehow finish this incredible stage.

I am proud to have reached the end despite the pain and the cramps. This is my first mythical climb, and I do not think it will be the last.

The return after the finish

We still have to descend 5 km before reaching a very minimal final feed zone. Another 15 km downhill and the day is officially over with a total of 132 km.

I ride gently at the end because there are gusts of wind and, after so many hours on the bike, a little less sharpness too.

My takeaway

The Étape du Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will remain a serious adventure. The route is beautiful, Ventoux is a monument, and riding in an event of this scale is inevitably memorable.

Not everything was perfect, especially the management of some feed zones, but reaching the top of Ventoux after a day like that erases a good part of the frustration.

First mythical climb completed. Probably not the last.

---

Official event info: Étape du Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift