While the first 6km of the Mont Ventoux climb will be relatively easy, the last 9.6km have an average gradient of 9.3%. By the time the Ventoux climb is finished on Thursday, we will have more of an idea whether Wednesday's attack was a stroke of genius or a wasted effort. MONTPELLIER (FRANCE) - It may have been shortened by 6km but the climb up Mont Ventoux remains a foreboding challenge for Chris Froome and his Tour de France rivals on Thursday. The Team Sky leader insists that despite the shortened length of the climb, it remains a beast of a mountain that few riders, even amongst the specialist climbers, will relish taming. The move found support amongst riders, many of whom have already been complaining about dangerous sprint finishes and chaotic stages.

Source: Bangkok Post July 14, 2016 11:37 UTC