Nathanael and Iain completed the Cinglés in 2023, ascending Mont Ventoux from all 3 paved routes, becoming members of the Cinglés du Mont Ventoux Club, which translates to the ‘Mont Ventoux Crazy Club. Nathanael, 16 at the time, thought he may have been the youngest cyclist to the complete the challenge, which unfortunately he wasn’t.
Fear not! If ascending the 1910m high summit 3 times wasn’t enough, there is an even crazier challenge – the Bicinglés. This challenge requires each of the 3 paved routes from Bédoin, Malaucène and Sault to be climbed twice each. The stipulation being the 170-mile-long route, ascending 28,872 feet, needs to be completed within 1 calendar day.
The youngest person to have completed the Bicinglés was an 18-year-old, back in 2014. So, the challenge had been set and Nathaneal and Iain returned to Ventoux in 2024 to attempt to complete the Bicinglés. This time they were accompanied by an amazing support crew made up of Caroline, Nathanaels Mum, and Anita and Ellen, Iain’s wife and daughter.
Starting in Malaucène at 00:01, the challenge was underway and the clock ticking as all 6 ascents had to be completed and finishing by descending back into Malaucène by 23:59.
The order of ascents was Malaucène, Bédoin, Malaucène, Bédoin, Sault, Sault, Sault being the longest, but less steep climb and a wise decision to leave until the end.
The lack of sleep and brutal climbing on the 2nd Bédoin ascent was too much for Iain, who opted for the support car a third of the way up the climb and rejoined Nathanael on the summit for the final 2 ascents of Sault, giving Nathanael as much support as possible to get back into Malaucène before midnight.
Over 23 hours after starting, Nathanael reached the summit for the 6th and final time and descended into Malaucène at 23:45, completing the challenge with 14 minutes to go, making Nathanael the youngest person ever to complete the absolutely bonkers Bicinglés.
A massive congratulations to Nathanael for becoming the latest IRC member to break a record and to the dedicated support crew providing food, drink and encouragement.
Well done Nathanael – absolute legend!