Charly Gaul on the Mont Ventoux (Tour de France 1958)

Charly Gaul won the 21 km moutain time trial up to the top of Mont Ventoux at the Tour de France 1958

Charly Gaul wins the time trial on Mont Ventoux 1958
Charly Gaul wins the time trial on Mont Ventoux 1958

Although nowadays Mont Ventoux is usually known by its legendary mountain top finishes, on its first three appearances (1951, 1952, 1955) at the Tour de France the peloton crossed the summit only during mid-race.

The first time a stage to finish at the top happened in 1958. It was a 21 km long individual mountain time trial. Charly Gaul, the “Angel of the Mountains” was the fastest rider, who jumped from 6th to 3rd position in the GC.

He claimed the yellow jersey a few days later and won the Tour de France that year.