Traffic ascends the mountain ahead of tomorrow's Stage 15 of Le Tour De France at the summit of Mont Ventoux in the Alps - Tim Ireland/AP Photo
Mont Ventoux has hosted many a dramatic stage finale of the Tour de France - Tim Ireland/AP Photo
Although the race is still a day away, fans are already getting settled in - Tim Ireland/AP Photo
Many fans went to visit the memorial of Tom Simpson, who died while racing up the mountain in 1967 - Tim Ireland/AP Photo
Simpson died with amphetamines in his jersey pocket. Some have called his death a tipping point for drug testing in cycling - Tim Ireland/AP Photo
British fans should have plenty to cheer for as Froome motors up past their motorhomes tomorrow - Tim Ireland/AP Photo
Vive Le Tour, and voom voom, Froome - Tim Ireland/AP Photo
As the Tour de France prepares to ascend the storied Mont Ventoux Sunday, scores of fans were already on the mountain, parking their camper vans, riding up the monstrous hill and getting ready to party.
Vive le tour, and voom voom, froome: - Tim Ireland/AP Photo
Vive Le Tour, and voom, voom, Froome
With its barren, moon-like landscape, Mont Ventoux has played host to many a dramatic cycling scene, including one particularly grim moment in 1967 when British racer Tom Simpson died on the mountain with amphetamines in his jersey pocket.
Today, a memorial marks the spot where Simpson fell, 1.5km from the summit.
Many fans went to visit the memorial of tom simpson, who died while racing up the mountain in 1967: - Tim Ireland/AP Photo
The Simpson memorial near the summit
On Saturday, many fans walked to check out the memorial before turning their attention to happier things — such as the massive party looming on Sunday as stage 15 of the Tour de France comes roaring up the mountain.
Traffic ascends the mountain ahead of tomorrow's stage 15 of le tour de france at the summit of mont ventoux in the alps: - Tim Ireland/AP Photo
Although completely calm compared to tomorrow, Mont Ventoux was abuzz with action Saturday
Ben Delaney is a journalist with more than two decades of experience writing for and editing some of the biggest publications in cycling. Having studied journalism at the University of New Mexico, Ben has worked for Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, VeloNews and BikeRadar. He has also previously worked as Global Brand Communications Manager for Specialized. Ben covers all things road and gravel, and can be found logging big miles in the Rocky Mountains that nestle alongside his home in Boulder, Colorado. He has covered the most important bike races in the sport, from the Tour de France and Tour of Flanders, to the Unbound gravel race, and specialises in tech content, showcasing what the pros are riding and putting everyday equipment through its paces.
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