This sculpture , which is near to Monaco's market, represents one of the mountains the cyclists will have to conquer in this year's Tour de France. Mont Ventoux is a climb of over 1000 metres and a 167 kilometres run. The red and white stone at the base has N7 written on it, the number of the road. Afficionados of the Tour will remember when Richard Virenque reached the summit of Mont Ventoux in 2002 - one of the Tour's great moments. The plaque showing the artist's name was missing but when I find out, I'll add the name.
The hill in the background is the rocher (the rock) where you find the palace, the cathedral and the Oceanographic museum. This is the oldest part of Monaco.
The back up teams arrive in Monaco today but for several days now, we've seen cyclists everywhere, even on the Route de Gorbio, the road that leads to my village. Of course, it's hard to know if they are the real thing as even amateur cyclists wear all the gear but they looked pretty fit to me!
It's getting exciting - the first time in history that the Tour de France will start in Monaco.
I'm not a cycling fan but even I'm getting excited for you! I like the sculpture too (probably because of the stone and metal) though that road looks terribly steep!
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago we drove to the summit of Mount Ventoux and I could not believe that cyclists could tackle this climb. One of the
ReplyDeleteTour de France cyclists died on the way up and there is a small shrine to mark the spot. I can hardly wait for the Tour to start. Be sure to look for the man in devil's costume. He is there every year jumping up and down with his fork and tail.
I love all the sculptures you show us. Yellow shirt days ahead. MB
ReplyDeleteWe enjoy watching the Tour but our coverage is so limited. Hope this year's is dope free and injury free.
ReplyDeleteGreat sulpture and so revealing of the difficulties of the tour. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteI like this one! And we're getting very excited too! Jilly, we'll try to look out for you on tv.... :)
ReplyDeleteNelson Piquet said that the GP is like riding your bicycle in your living room - wonder what cycling around Monaco will be like...
Here's a map of the route in Monaco:
http://www.letour.fr/PHOTOS/TDF/2009/100/CARTE.gif
John, I presume the man you mentioned is to be seen at the pre-tour goings on? I've never been to a Tour de France before and am not sure what to expect. It seems there is a day when the back up vehicles tour thru Monaco and the teams get introduced. Then there is a day of 'animations'. Then there is Time Trial day and then, on Sunday they are off.
ReplyDeleteMaria, I'll use the map from the Tour website to illustrate the Time Trial day, which is Saturday.
Not sure I'm going into MC for the day it takes off tho (Sunday) - there are 4,500 accredited journalists and cameramen and I can't imagine I'd get near enough for a shot of the 'depart.'
B Squared, yes indeed - let's hope it's dope free and injury free.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see the Tour de France but looks like i will miss it again.
ReplyDeleteNice pic & story behind it.
Hoping to be in France for two weeks during the Tour - not Monaco, unfortunately. We Brits of course remember Le Ventoux for the death of Tom Simpson in 1967.
ReplyDeleteGoodness Richard, I had no idea a cyclist died on Mt. Ventoux.
ReplyDeletePity you won't be in Monaco.