VentouxMan 2026 gets set to go

The 11th edition of the VentouxMan triathlon will take place on September 19 and 20, starting and finishing in Monteux, Vaucluse. The race returns with an ambitious programme around the Géant de Provence: seven formats for all levels, spanning triathlon, duathlon and road running.

Nearly 1,500 triathletes are expected on the shores of Lac de Monteux (entries are still available), for a unique sporting challenge at the foot of Mont Ventoux, the legendary summit of French cycling.

The headline event gets underway on September 20 at 7:30 a.m. The L-distance triathlon (individual or relay) features 2 km of swimming in Lac de Monteux, followed by a 104 km bike leg with 2,200 m of elevation gain, including the climb up Mont Ventoux from Bédoin, the toughest side. After the descent, where the clock will be stopped to discourage excessive risk-taking, the race finishes with an 18 km run around Lac de Monteux over three laps.

Those less comfortable in the water can opt for the L-distance duathlon (Sunday, September 20): the same bike course, with the descent neutralized here too, and the same final run as the L-distance triathlon, with the swim replaced by a 9 km run start.

Three events are on the schedule for Saturday, September 19

The M-distance Gravel Triathlon (12 p.m. start) is aimed at those who enjoy racing off-road. It consists of a 1 km swim in Lac de Monteux, followed by 30 km of gravel riding with 500 m of elevation gain and a 9.4 km trail run with 350 m of elevation gain in the commune of Pennes-les-Fontaines. Anthony Roux, a former professional cyclist with Groupama-FDJ and winner of the 2024 VentouxMan, will line up for the event.

Beginners and speed specialists can take on the Sprint distance (individual or relay, 9 a.m. start), with 750 m of swimming, 20 km of cycling and a 5 km run around Lac de Monteux.

New for 2026: a 10 km run (6 p.m. start), on an entirely flat course, joins the programme. Running from the centre of Monteux to the shores of the lake, it will feature Ambre Grasset, recently crowned 2026 European U23 triathlon champion, who will use the race as a final tune-up ahead of the Pontevedra World Triathlon Short Distance Championships the following week.

Entries still open