Simpson on the Ventoux

davidof

Monday morning at first light Joanne Simpson started the first of her ascension covering the three roads that lead to the summit of le Mont Ventoux, she arrived at the summit for the final time a little after 5pm and was awarded the title of "Cinglés" (lunatic). For Joanne it was a way to honour her father who died on the slopes of the Giant of the Provence 45 years ago. At the summit she spoke of her joy, emotiona but also fleeting memories of her father. Joanne rides the Ventoux every five years, normally on the 13th of July, the anniversary of Tom's death but this year her sister was getting married so she delayed her ride by a month her attempt to join the elite group of Cinglés. "I came here to finish what my father was unable to do", she told journalists, "to close the circle. My mum always said I was stubborn and opinionated, like my dad. I'm pleased that Bradley has completed the job started by my dad by winning the Tour de France. In 2009 he climbed the Ventoux with a photo of my dad in his pocket, today I climbed with a photo of Bradley."

Secteur

That's a great story!

Beatmaker

Fantastic. Chapeau Joanne.

ALaPlage

That's a great and heartwarming story. Well done Joanne.

greasedscotsman

Is that person to the right trying to steal her bike?

kleinstroker

As said a great story, I'm sure it brought a tear to Mr Wiggins eye as well.

ugo.santalucia

Not to be insensitive or anything, but if she does it every 5 years, where's the news?