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 km with 3000 meters of elevation gain, including the climb up Mont Ventoux to close the stage.

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

Distance	111 km
Elevation gain	3000 m
Start	Vaison-la-Romaine
Final climb	Mont Ventoux
Start time	8:12 a.m.
Goal	Manage the effort until the final climb

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 at kilometer 23 with the Col de Propiac (distance and average gradient to complete). 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 avoid burning out too early and to delay the cramps for as long as I can. The real race has not even started yet: Ventoux is waiting.

To complete next

• Col de Suzette: sensations, pacing, atmosphere on the road.
• Col de la Madeleine: how the legs feel before Bédoin.
• Final feed zone: strategy before Ventoux.
• Final climb: heat, gradient, mental battle, cramp management.
• Finish: final time, emotions, organization review.

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Official event info: Étape du Tour de France Femmes.