The Nice Mont Ventoux (NMV) returns from June 9 to 12 for its third edition. The program for this bike raid, exclusively for business leaders and their collaborators, has just been unveiled.
Innovating while maintaining continuity was the choice of the organizers when developing the program for this third edition of the NMV. Participants will cover 394 kilometers with an elevation gain of nearly 5000 meters to complete this raid, distributed over 3 non-timed stages. While the starting point (Promenade des Anglais, Nice) and the destination (Mont Ventoux) remain unchanged, modifications have been made within the 3 stages taking place in Provence.
The course layout
Stage 1 will see participants depart from the Promenade des Anglais and arrive at Moustiers Sainte Marie. This 144-kilometer stage will differ from the previous two editions as the initial climb (Ecre or Vence) will be skipped for the participants. This small gesture by the organizing company, WTS Events, aims to allow challengers to approach the raid more calmly. There will be no climbs during this first stage, but the route will be rich in scenery, including the coolness of Gorges-du-Loup and the plateaus of the middle Provence region. The initial stage will conclude with a long descent towards Lake Sainte-Croix, preceded by a passage through the stunning Gorges du Verdon.
After 144 kilometers in the first stage, participants will tackle 143 kilometers and a climb in the next stage leading them to Mazan. Changes in this stage include a passage through Forcalquier and the foothills of the Lure Mountain. This second stage will thus take challengers further north than usual but retains its traditional finish at the Col des Abeilles.
The third and final stage of the raid will have business executives cover 109 kilometers to reach the climax of this challenge, Mont Ventoux. This is the shortest stage in terms of kilometers, but also the one that has evolved the most compared to previous years. Now, the ascent will take place via Malaucène, concluding with a descent to Chalet Reynard. After the cocktail, participants will have the opportunity to test their driving skills in the long and magnificent descent to Sault. The challenge’s conclusion will occur in the Gorges de la Nesque.
Comprehensive preparation
To ensure participants are in top form and fully prepared for this adventure, WTS Events has set up a preparation program with two options.
The first is a personalized training program, established by one of the expert coaches from the WTS network. This option is ideal for arriving in shape on the day of departure, as coaching and tailored physical preparation are at the core of the LLC WTS’s business (WTS Events is one of its subsidiaries). Since 2002, WTS has established itself as the leader in endurance sports coaching, thanks to its network structure and innovative training methodology.
The other option stems from the company’s desire to create a “common thread,” with 5 collective training sessions scheduled from January to May, limited to 20 participants.
In addition to training programs, WTS Events has ensured the best for its challengers by reserving high-end accommodations at each stage’s conclusion, primarily in Mazan with a four-star hotel (Château de Mazan).
This exceptional human adventure for business leaders does come at a cost. €1900 if registered before March 31, €2000 before May 31. The fastest, who registered before December 31, benefited from a reduced rate of €1800.
The fees include participation in the challenge (4 days and 3 nights), technical assistance during the challenge, accommodation in a TWIN room, picnics, refreshments, a high-end cycling outfit (jersey and shorts), a Meltonic Sports Nutrition pack, a V02maxvoyages backpack, and the return transfer to Nice. Note that these fees do not include personal equipment.
The most courageous have until May 31 to register for the Nice Mont Ventoux Bike Challenge on the VO2maxvoyages website.
