I WON the MONT VENTOUX GRAN FONDO!!! // Race Tactic and Power Analysis

[@edlaverack]

Join me as I recall how I won the Mont Ventoux Gran Fondo, what is potentially the most iconic location to finish a cycling event! I take you through the power requirements, race tactics, and the story through the nail biting final 7km as I climbed my way to the top! Thank you for watching this video, I’m so happy how it turned out! Means a lot that I can share these adventures with you all!

[@JulienBerard3874]

Very good video and riding Ed ! Your analysis is good, I wasn’t aware that you were coming from the back and was a bit surprised 😂 FYI there were only 1 rider (Tim) in a breakaway the whole race, with 2 other riders we did only a little break in the last descent 😊

[@edlaverack]

@@JulienBerard3874 Julien, you are an incredible rider man. Amazing performance considering you had been working hard all day. Hope to ride with you again!

[@hansthijs]

So happy for you🙏🤜

[@jb50-w3k]

Massive well done, just watching and I was in Z5 HR during the last km! Brilliant well deserved!

[@jamesprince8753]

Not often that you get a full breakdown of an event from the WINNER! We’re all lucky to have you and your honest down to earth videos. YOU SMASHED IT!! 😎

[@edlaverack]

Thank you James, I appreciate that more than anything because it's often sacrificing one for the other. Not in this case, thankfully :)

[@lanzaroterider365]

It's been a pleasure to, from my armchair, ride this race with you. Massive congratulations to win at such an iconic finish, and thank you so much for taking us all with you 👍🚴😎

[@ian5445]

Superb. I did it in 1978 as a 19 year old on 42x21. Just remember how steep it was through the trees. You guys know so much now 🚴‍♂️👏

[@JohnButler-iq8rl]

Yes I did it 94 on the same ratio----actually it might of been a 23 on the back in hindsight suffice to say it was a sufferfest and I still reckon an 84kg eros poli who had been off the front for 150k to gain the win still climbed a lot quicker than me,---😅.

[@tbone-ip5fi]

Kudos to you roughnecks, I don't know how your knees handled that!

[@leightondavies8884]

I put a 32 Cassette on for my trip out there with the intention of seeing how long before I needed it - turns out that was about 100 meters after the left turn into the climb 😂😂 the gift that kept on giving 👊👊

[@edlaverack]

I saw this coming! haha!

[@jemsmay2167]

That bus was the hand of God! Great ride, looked like a perfect day for Ventoux. I last rode it a few years back on my 60th birthday. Always almost a spiritual thing for me getting up that climb.

[@stevenfreeman7798]

Never seen you with such a glint in the eyes Ed!!.fucking brilliant performance mate!!. You looked more happy there than when you got the sa colabra record!. You were definitely in full racing snake mode once again!!!.

[@edlaverack]

Haha! Thank you Steven, I would say it ranks higher :)

[@mabozza85]

Always nice to get a cheeky sportive win for the confidence👊

[@edlaverack]

Nothing beats getting to the cafe first though😂

[@mabozza85]

First to cafe doesnt pay round here. Sure that would mean youd probs have free cafe everytime😂

[@ianpaulfairbairnsmith7658]

Congrats Ed! We knew a Brit had won when we saw our 60+ (age) wooden spoon results that day. Great to see how the winner did it. Thanks💪

[@rdswave]

Congrats on the win!!! You stuck to your instincts and it worked out. That was such an awesome recap Ed. I enjoyed every bit of it. My favorite part was when you went around the big group before the official start of the climb. A seemingly insignificant move that bought you time to catch the leader.

[@edlaverack]

:D Thank you!

[@patrickflanagan317]

Thanks sooo much for making this video, As an older cyclist down here in the South Island of New Zealand and in the middle of winter all my riding is on Zwift at the moment. Truly a super effort and many thanks for the honest break down, This is what life is all about... Experiences 👏👏💪💪

[@edlaverack]

Ah waw!! To think I've been to NZ racing too! Thanks for your comment Patrick!

[@compjuu]

Hi Ed, just to give you some more background on how the race unfolded from my side. I got away after 24km (just after the Madeleine, before the Flassan climb) with 3 other guys. The other guys got dropped at the foot of the Flassan climb and caught by the peloton very fast (they were not the right ones to have with me unfortunately). From that moment on I rode everything solo and at a certain moment had 7minutes on the group behind me. At the bottom of the Ventoux I still had about 4'30 on the first guys behind me. I finally got caught after a 90km solo by Julien Berard at 3.5km to go. And later on by you, haha! That's why I was not at all able to still put up a fight (i was completely empty). In the end even the guy finishing 3rd caught me with 400meters to go and didn't get on the podium :( Would've loved to know where I would've ended up if I stayed with the bunch. Guess we will never know!

[@compjuu]

And congrats on your victory!!

[@menthel77]

Just come back from Ventoux and got goosebumps watching the footage. My first ever mountain and managed it in under 3 hours which was my goal. But then I am far too close to 50 and one of my thighs weighs about as much as you do. ;) Congrats on the win!

[@musclelessfitness2045]

Congrats ! I can't remember exactly, but I think Andrew F. made it in an hour and 20-30 seconds, with pacers. That's a very fast time

[@swites]

Congrats! Wow epic!!! 3500m gain in 120km is insane! Still putting out 5.4w/kg at the end is impressive. I do quite a few gran fondo's in NZ and know that 5w/kg is what you need to stay in contention with the front groups, which is a bit beyond me being more at the 4.5 level. Also the most important thing is still being able to put out the power at the end of the race and not have that big drop off in the last 30minutes to an hour. I don't have the endurance, so often am crawling at the end which gets frustrating!

[@MarcusWellstead]

Stunning ride Ed! Insane average speed for that amount of climbing. You should try the Ariégeoise next year as a top climber. It’s a great event too but in the Pyrénées.

[@edlaverack]

I'll have a look, thank you

[@matteodiluce9387]

Well done, Ed! And well narrated: I got sweaty just listening and watching. Despite the giveaway in the title it was exciting all the way to the line! Many happy returns (to moments like that), Ed!!!

[@soulboy78]

Didn't think the Sa Calobra video could be bettered but here we are. Chapeau on the way you rode that climb it was a joy to watch. Never done Ventoux but another video that has inspired me to try and get there. Look forward to the next installment Ed 🚴☕👍

[@edlaverack]

Much appreciated!

[@karenjones3051]

Very well done Ed,I saw it on Strava but I didn’t fully understand your achievement, you’re making Wales proud of you, da iawn

[@edlaverack]

Thank you!!

[@boards2bowls]

Absolutely brilliant, Ed - so cool!! I've ridden Ventoux 6 times over the years and seeing it from your vantage point with the tactics and power files was amazing. Maybe next year they give different color jerseys for each of the distances, thereby foregoing any confusion amongst organizers and competitors. For example, blue jerseys for the 120km distance, and red for 100km (or whatever the shorter race was). Just a thought.

[@williamric-hansen3983]

wow, what a great video and result! I hope you do more like this ;)

[@edlaverack]

This summer is looking a bit busy :)

[@colinwilliams9290]

I normally watch KZbin vids on the iPad but for this it had to be the big screen. I’ve been looking forward to this vid coming out since you first mentioned it Ventoux, I wasn’t disappointed Ed, best video you’ve done mate, I was on the edge of my seat to the very top. Well done on a great result👏👏👏

[@edlaverack]

Made the big screen! Thank you so much!

[@needmoregears8521]

Great video Ed. I took twice as much time as you did back in 2017 . And I started in Bedion so a 100k less in the legs. Chapeau!

[@markt4878]

Brillaint Ed!! Catching the front group 2K from the top was class!! 😎😎😎 Brings it all back to me - firstly doing the Club Cingles with my pal Jim a few years back and then we back to do the Ventouxman Triathlon....hopefully return soon - your video makes me want to pack my bike and head back tomorrow!!

[@cameroonie5]

Great breakdown Ed,to take into account your fuelling which you detailed and carried it all without support from the roadside gives your ride a little extra pizazz.Great video.

[@kennyroberts830]

Just seen this Ed & have to say it was one of the most enjoyable 'real life' in competition videos I've ever had the pleasure of watching, not many of us get the opportunity to race up such a truly iconic course & even less to actually win it against such a quality field, very well done!

[@edlaverack]

Thank you Kenny :) It'll live long in the memory!

[@jameslewis8633]

Ed! What an achievement, we are all so proud of you and you have inspired me to get back on the bike. Enjoy the moment and I can't wait to see what the rest of 2024 can bring

[@edlaverack]

Thanks James! Enjoy your riding, more videos like this in a few weeks!

[@Chris-xv2gm]

Bloody hell old boy, what a dammed fine effort. Onwards!

[@williamforbes7156]

Noob with bike racing but seeing the climb hit the filmed part from the tour for the first time with all of the attendees stood there as well was frickin epic and the chase for the lead as well.

[@marcesto9431]

Congratulations! My wife and I are enthusiastic recreational cyclists. We road Mount Ventoux about 15 years ago form Crillon Le Brave to Bedoin to Ventoux. Following along with your video, I relived our ride. Of course, it took us significantly longer but we felt like champs when we made the summit.

[@brunoj6146]

Impressive performance, it rarely happens that the winner comes from behind. I finished 1 h after you 😂 It is my best result on this event though for my 7th start. It’s cool to watch inside video from the winner. Thank you.

[@philipposen6743]

Great video, great ride(r). Congarts. I placed a much more modest 112th but was very happy with that result. We need you to do more GF’s! Etape du tour next? See you there!

[@martinandrews2860]

Chapeau indeed. Hard earned consistent long term training created the meant to be moment. Great pacing. Bloody brilliant.

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Great video and seriously well done. julien probably thought he had it in the bag… then you go sailing past 😮. Amazing performance. I know the climb well and it it seriously tough especially the tree section.

[@spingleroeth]

Fantastic effort Ed, well done.

[@crankgreenwatts]

Super excited .. Let's go #EdMode 🏆 Just stunning Ed cannot really add to that .. Chapeau Sir 🙇‍♂

[@radoslawmroz9729]

Huge congratulations Ed 🥇🥇🥇🚲🚲🚲 I’ve been waiting your videos for many years now. Hard training pays off. You’re an inspiration for me and I’m sure for many others cyclists. Well done Ed 👍👍👍🥇🥇🥇

[@edlaverack]

Thank you, the work has paid off :)

[@struancochrane753]

Boom, fantastic ride Ed. You must still be buzzing

[@edlaverack]

I am :)

[@andymakarewich]

well done and well spoken

[@jonathanhopkins9459]

Well done mate, so chuffed for you and to get 🥇 👏👏

[@newbarker523]

I'm not into racing, don't watch the TdF. I'm just a leisurely cyclist. Did this climb last year. Despite not being into racing, I really enjoyed watching this. Your story and the way you told it had me smiling. Chapeau Ed!

[@edlaverack]

Thank you for that compliment :D

[@SteveSinclair1]

Congratulations, and very entertaining video

[@_xnk7257]

Not often we get to hear such a detailed view of what a rider is thinking and going through. Congrats on the win, this was amazing!

[@JSC131]

Congratulations Ed absolutely phenomenal ride from a fellow welshman great content as usual.

[@carloschiesaro3265]

Well done Ed. You are a Champion! 🎉

[@RoryMacdonald-pfff]

I nodded off watching some other vids, and woke a few mins into this one, having auto-started. I had no idea you’d won it, making this narrative a total nail-biter!! Best vid I’ve watched in aaaaaages. Well played sir - chapeau.

[@edlaverack]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you KZbin for recommending!

[@jukkahyrkas749]

Definitely the climbing part was my favourite 🎉

[@davestewartDWCC]

What a brilliant video and effort Ed..you went past extremely strong cyclists like "Pogacar"in the Giro!!!

[@tommy-trump-1967]

gwon the ed , one amazing story 😁😁😁

[@huleco1085]

Massive congratulations for a fantastic win on an “iconic” climb! A brilliant video and commentary! Oh, and thanks again for the happy birthday message for last Sunday!

[@edlaverack]

Legend Huw!

[@axteraa]

Congrats Ed, great race, great video!

[@alanspence2098]

Fantastic achievement. The Video really captures your emotions, race craft and confidence in your climbing ability 👏💪

[@paulwild7352]

Congrats young Ed. Firstly I would say your obvious talent as a cyclist is closely followed by your communication skills of being able to put your audience in your head space as you competed. It was a joy to relive some of my past racing moments as a result of your commentary. As you pointed out, it is rare to complete a race where things work out to perfection, “meant to be” I think you described it. It was actually a blessing when you were dropped on that last descent as you could physically see the group ahead had started looking at each other and seized the opportunity to dictate your own pace. I know my comment is a little long winded, but the vid got me excited as I have ridden the climb on a number of occasions and related very well. Cheers well done.

[@davess61]

I love the area and Ventoux is a climb I ride regularly so this video - and your win - is a fantastic mix 👏👏👌

[@richardpullen1237]

Really chuffed for you. Such a well put together vid, congrats

[@Sparkyz480]

OMFG thats huuuuuuuge mate congragulations!!!!!!

[@richardlloyd2556]

That is class fair play. Well done Ed 👏 💪

[@guy5796]

Inspirational! Well done Ed, Really enjoyed watching this. I did Ventoux in 2 hours!

[@scottytremaineplays9461]

Epic ride Ed! I’d have been so frustrated by not knowing who was shorter route!

[@nickpilgrim1966]

Absolutely brilliant Ed. Love Ventoux. Great area.

[@edlaverack]

Knew you'd like it!

[@peterwilliams7639]

My fave vid of the year (so far!)!!! Well done Ed, and fantastic commentary. Loved it

[@imprezaaudi]

Congratulations, perfectly timed effort up Ventoux

[@GaborToth83]

Perfect powering on the Ventoux, gg bro!

[@shaylorcyclingwahoo]

Great job Ed 🫡

[@paulmalynn3674]

Amazing ride & video , race description superb .👏👏💪

[@999shaznay]

Having to catch up on your last couple of videos and you've been smashing races left, right and centre!!

[@darrenricketts2685]

Amazing achievement and incredible performance Ed. Gotta feel for the guy you overtook in the final stages when you blasted past!

[@leighgoodwin1726]

Brilliant effort and great video, Ed. Inspiration for my attempt at Ventoux post L’Étape in July. How sad to see those French cyclists left behind! Well done. Your best KZbin post yet

[@LD-bv1pm]

Ah the onboards gave me PTSD lol. Those darned corners don't flatten at all, it's relentless. Great ride, congratulations Ed.

[@steveouwerkerk7719]

Well done, congratulations.

[@MrTomCrx]

Fair play Ed, humble as always and a truly deserved win.

[@ethangodridge6833]

Mega ride & video

[@matthewchubb1]

Dude wow, Ed that was such an inspiring video, performance, chapeau to you - how unbelievable to fulfil a dream like that, I can tell you could barely believe it yourself. Amazing accomplishment and you’re such a humble champion, keep it up, we all will be here watching for the next adventure!

[@nlimb6214]

Fantastic effort & great achievement!

[@SlowtwitchDe]

Awecome recap - enjoyed every minute ! Great job Ed!!!!

[@ZoomWinflo]

Super report Ed. Bloody brilliant mate.

[@CheeseAlarm]

Two fantastic achievements. First the sporting one, and second making such a great video about it. Having the presence of mind to ensure that you got footage and so on is incredible. Thanks Ed.

[@damianwalker5804]

How great to see you take a win after such a great ride. Splendid performance. Cheers!

[@adrian21090]

Amazing effort Ed. I was planning to climb Ventoux three times this September to qualify for membership of Club des Cingles. Not feeling quite so confident now!

[@TechWeb68]

Amazing video, and what a performance totally self-supported for food and camerawork too! I missed it this year due to surgery. See you next year!

[@jimbo2112]

Looking very strong this year!

[@iainhampson1451]

Your content is amazing Ed, also conrats on the win, what a performance!

[@philhinch77]

Brilliant Ed. Well done. Great ride.

[@aronanlife9039]

Brilliant Story, well told

[@Chris-dw3xl]

Wow amazing just amazing well done speechless

[@iancrichton]

Well done Ed, great effort...

[@rodulfomartinus311]

Congratulations Ed,well done.I'm so happy to see you succeed in this race.

[@caldcots]

Well done Ed. Bus draft at the right time! Aces....

[@anthonyh4723]

Good on you Ed! The Ventoux is a beautiful place and your ride was amazing!

[@user-dm84]

Fantastic video and congratulations on a well deserved win! Amazing effort 🎉

[@RaffelMTB]

outstanding riding sir well done

[@edwardtran1473]

Chapeau!!! What a fantastic effort.

[@alexharris222]

Fantastic Ed. Loved this and what an incredible ride

[@51biffo]

Very well told Ed. Congratulations 👍

[@francoisb.4710]

Salut Ed, merci pour cette super vidéo !! C'est un régal, tout est parfait et c'est vraiment génial de pouvoir vivre ta course "inside" ! Bravo pour ta super performance ! J'étais sur le même parcours que toi, mais je finis 733 places derrière toi 🤣🤣🤣

[@tonystroudlewis6333]

Chapeau Ed, Awesome achievement, brilliant video, mundane 300+ watts I wish 😂

[@03lepavouxc1]

Absolutely brilliant, fair play 👍🏼 that must have been some ride and feeling on the finish

[@TermoneenyCC]

Fantastic result Ed. Well done.

[@1carusjohn32]

Best vid yet! Great ride and footage too!

[@K114LED]

Crazy power, well done really enjoyed this video.

[@neil3274]

Brilliant Ed, chapeau!