Mont Ventoux was introduced to Tour de France in 1951 (one year earlier than Alpe d'Huez and Puy de Dôme). At the first three occasions (1951, 1954 and 1955) the peloton crossed the top during mid-race, the first summit finish was organized only in 1958.
The 11th stage of the 1955 Tour de France began in Marseille and ended in Avignon, covering a distance of 198 km. Standing between them was the formidable Mont Ventoux. Louison Bobet, the reigning world champion, was the first to conquer the brutal climb and went on to win the stage.
Bobet, clad in the prestigious rainbow jersey of the world champion, would later trade it for the yellow jersey after the 17th stage, which included the challenging climbs of the Aspin and Peyresourde.
As he ascended the punishing slopes of Mont Ventoux, his wife Christiane cheered him on from the roadside, offering support during one of the race's toughest moments.
