The great passes of the Tour de France

Mont Ventoux (1x4)

Air date: Jun 27, 2013

Among the difficult mountains and passes of the Tour de France, Mont Ventoux in the Provençal Alps occupies a special position. With its bare summit, which is exposed to strong winds and blazing sun, it can mean the end of the race for careless riders. Two-time Tour winner Eddy Merckx exerted himself so much on the climb that he suffered a fainting spell. The climb even cost Tom Simpson his life. But the "holy mountain" not only means martyrdom, but sometimes also resurrection: it offered Richard Virenque and Marco Pantani the opportunity to join the ranks of the best. Mont Ventoux combines heaven and hell in one. (Text: arte)