Cyclist to attempt triple ascent of Mont Ventoux on a Brompton

Parkinson’s UK’s Director of Fundraising, Paul Jackson-Clark, is to attempt a triple ascent of Mont Ventoux on a Brompton. His efforts will come as part of The Parkinson’s UK Ventoux³ challenge, which will see a number of cyclists raising funds for the charity by attempting to ride all three routes to the summit (although not necessarily on Bromptons).

In 2014, Matt Richardson rode a Raleigh Chopper to the top of Mont Ventoux, while Rob Holden completed the climb on a Boris Bike the year before. There have certainly been a number of people achieving the feat on a Brompton too. We’re not entirely sure whether anyone has done it three times in a day though – although John Simpson’s account of tackling La Marmotte on a Brompton makes reference to his becoming a member of The Confrérie des Cinglés du Mont-Ventoux, which seems to imply that it has.

To become a member of said club you must climb and descend Ventoux via the three main roads up from Bédoin, Malaucène, and Sault – all in one day. According to our own Jo Burt, who is himself a member of said club, this demands 136km of cycling and 4,443 metres of cumulative height gain.

Jackson-Clark said he’d at least managed to secure himself some appropriate gearing for his attempt.

“I’m a passionate “Brommy” and cycle my Brompton bicycle to work every day. So when a personal connection put me in contact with Brompton and suggested I partner with them for Ventoux³ I was delighted. Brompton are now very kindly donating an incredible cyan blue 6-speed Brompton, specially modified for hill-climbing – I hope that includes mountains!

“Once I’ve completed the challenge I’ll in turn be donating the bike to a prize draw to support Parkinson’s UK.”

The Parkinson’s UK Ventoux³ challenge will take place on Saturday June 18 with more details available here. Entry closes on April 1.

Last year, participants included actor Enzo Cilenti, who is known for roles in Game of Thrones, The Theory of Everything and Guardians of the Galaxy. Like Jackson-Clark, conquering Ventoux three times in one day wasn’t enough for him, so he and his father Pietro completed the feat on a tandem.