Two words: Mont Ventoux

ByEurosport

Published 08/06/2006 at 09:49 GMT

Dauphiné Libéré leader Philippe Gilbert insists that the Stage 4 climb up the Mont Ventoux will be "a happy memory, even if it's a rough outing." Indeed, what more grueling than the climb up the lunar landscape of the Ventoux.

Those who tame the 1909m "Giant of Provence" can truly claim that they have rubbed elbows with the gods of cycling.

That's not likely to be the case for Gilbert:

CYCLING 2006 Criterium du Dauphine Libere Gilbert

Image credit: Reuters

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"When the (overall] favourites attack, I'll crack." the Francaise des Jeux rider predicted.

"I discovered the Ventoux last year, I took it easy on the climb," Gilbert told French newspaper L'Equipe. "I'll follow at my own pace. I don't want to dip into my reserves each day and finished fried. The Tour is not far off.

"And I'm realistic: I won't be in yellow [Sunday] in Grenoble."

For Stage 3 time trial winner David Zabriskie, it could be an even longer day:

"I've never been up the Ventoux and when those little Spanish climbers start going crazy on mountain climbs, most times it's just too much for me." FORUM: Have your say (and predictions)

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