Geoffroy Lequatre, former professional cyclist and founder of the G4 brand, shares with us today his immersion in the heart of Mont-Ventoux during the weekend of September 27-29, 2024.
An unforgettable weekend exploring performance, art de vivre and convivial moments!
“This weekend, I had the chance to live a unique experience through an event organized by my friend Édouard Bergeon. A unique stay, tailor-made for me, in the company of Michelin-starred chefs, former champions and company directors: all passionate about cycling. Here’s the story of an unforgettable stay, with climbs up Mont Ventoux, shared moments and exceptional gastronomy”.
MONT VENTOUX: A CYCLING MONUMENT, A LAND OF LIFE
Mont Ventoux, the giant of Provence, is a legendary destination for all cycling enthusiasts. Its ascent is as difficult as it is legendary!
Culminating at an altitude of 1902m, Mont Ventoux, also known as Mont Chauve due to its vegetation-free summit, fascinates as much as it frightens cyclists of all levels. It is one of the most difficult climbs in France.
Mont Ventoux is not just a mountain to climb, it’s also an exceptional natural site classified as a “Biosphere Reserve” by UNESCO. The site is home to an exceptional biodiversity ranging from Mediterranean forests to alpine environments, and a wide variety of fauna, with over 200 species of birds listed!
To give you a better idea, there are three main routes to the summit:
- Bédoin: the most emblematic climb. 21.5 km of intense effort, 1600m of ascent, an average gradient of 7.5% with passages of over 10%. An endurance test for the legs, a mental test for the head.
- Malaucène: just as formidable, with frequent breaks of pace. Powerful 12% climbs require precise effort management!
- Sault: more accessible, but nonetheless long (26 km). Ideal for a gentle approach to the Ventoux, while savoring the bewitching panoramas of lavender and Provencal crests!
A UNIQUE EVENT AT THE FOOT OF MONT-VENTOUX
It all began with a special invitation from Édouard Bergeon, Geoffroy’s friend and cycling enthusiast, to spend a weekend in the Lubéron, culminating in a climb of Mont Ventoux.
Geoffroy Lequatre has already climbed Mont Ventoux several times, so he knows it well! We saw him climb during the Tour de France in 2009 and the Dauphiné race in 2007, then during training courses after his career and with friends, he loves to return to the summit of this unique and mythical mountain!
From Friday evening, the welcome was grandiose: a magnificent villa nestled in the hills of Provence, a convivial atmosphere and the presence of personalities from the world of sport and gastronomy.
Guests included the illustrious Martin Fourcade (famous French biathlete), several Michelin-starred chefs including Christophe Aribert, and of course Édouard Loubet, master of ceremonies for this exceptional weekend.
“All together around a refined dinner, discussions flow about our life experiences and also cycling anecdotes, our race memories and our shared passion for cycling. These moments at the table are just as powerful as those on the bike. They create a collective energy, an authentic connection between enthusiasts.”
The perfect way to start your Mont Ventoux holiday!
A G4 COLLECTION INSPIRED BY MONT VENTOUX
On sporting trips like this, G4 takes great pleasure in tailoring jerseys or complete cycling outfits in the colors and motifs of the cycling destination, for all participants. It’s a way of making the trip even more collective and convivial, and ensuring that you ride in comfort, protection and style!
“To mark the event, I created an exclusive “Mont Ventoux” jersey: a sleek design inspired by the colors of the Ventoux and its lunar landscapes. It features an ultra-breathable fabric for lightness during effort, with our LightDry technology, and ergonomic finishes for optimum freedom of movement.
Each participant proudly wears this limited-edition jersey, a symbol of our shared passion, and thus obtains a lifelong souvenir of this journey between friends and enthusiasts.”
Discover our limited edition G4 Mont Ventoux jersey!
SATURDAY: ON THE ROAD TO THE SUMMIT OF MONT-VENTOUX
On Saturday morning, after a hearty breakfast overlooking a 180° panorama of the Lubéron Massif, the excitement is at its peak!
Mont Ventoux looms majestically in the distance. So, all dressed in Mont-Ventoux G4 cycling gear, everyone prepares to take on this famous cycling monument.
“You can feel the electricity in the air. Eyes are focused, legs are wiggling. The Ventoux is waiting for us.
So off we go, fifteen or so motivated cyclists, and the weather promises to be kind. We cross the magnificent landscapes of the Lubéron, before reaching the first foothills of Mont Ventoux. ”
THE RISE OF THE PROVENCE GIANT
“We chose to climb via Sault, a gentler but no less mythical route. Gradually, the group stretches out, each one finding his or her own rhythm. As we approached Chalet Reynard, the magic began to happen: the final, more arduous kilometers plunged us into the legendary atmosphere of the Ventoux.
Finally, we enter the lunar world of the summit. In front of us, the observatory, emblematic of the emotional elevator that is Mont Ventoux. Memories of past races come flooding back, but today it’s a moment of sharing and collective emotion that takes precedence.
At the finish, there’s no strong wind, just the satisfaction of having climbed this monument together. We take the time to enjoy the view, capture a few souvenir photos, notably with Martin Fourcade and Édouard, before starting the descent.”
A GOURMET PICNIC AT THE SUMMIT AND AN EXCEPTIONAL EVENING OUT
“After the effort, the comfort! At the finish, the reward is also gustatory, as Édouard Loubet’s team awaits us with an exceptional picnic to replenish our strength: a feast worthy of the finest tables. Local produce, homemade bread, selected wines and even a nod to Chartreuse, that famous liqueur with its intense flavors. What better way to spend an unforgettable moment in good company!
Discussions continue, with everyone savoring this unique moment, between cycling and gastronomy. Now it’s time to head back to the Lubéron after such an emotional day. The descent was made with a light heart and a full stomach.
Back in the Lubéron region, the closing evening promises to be a memorable one, with a barbecue, fine wines and lively discussions. With memories of the races, tales of adventure and anecdotes from the chefs, this will be a night to remember.“
AN UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND AND A DATE FOR NEXT YEAR!
On Sunday morning, everyone was back on the road, with stars in their eyes and hearts full of memories. This weekend was much more than just a sporting challenge: it was a true human and sensory experience, where cycling, gastronomy and sharing were intertwined in the most beautiful of ways.
That’s exactly the philosophy behind G4 tours!
So if you too would like to enjoy a similar experience, disconnect for a moment from your everyday life, meet new people with the same passion for cycling as you, and experience a unique holiday, register now with our G4 team. A trip to Mont Ventoux is being organized and will take place at the end of May 2025!
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CLIMB :
- Choose the right time: choose spring or autumn to avoid the heat of summer.
- Check the weather: the mistral wind can turn the climb into a real ordeal.
- Stay hydrated and nourished: intense effort requires a good supply of energy.
- Equip yourself correctly: opt for a technical jersey such as one from our G4 range, offering comfort, protection and lightness, and bring warm clothing for the descent.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a nature enthusiast, Mont Ventoux promises an unforgettable experience!
“A huge thank you to Édouard Bergeon, Édouard Loubet and all the participants for this extraordinary adventure. And, of course, thank you to G4 for sublimating this event with an outfit worthy of this cycling myth.”
We look forward to seeing you again in 2025, on the slopes of Mont Ventoux!
The G4 Team
