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20 years after making cycling history on Mont Ventoux, former Spanish riders Iban Mayo and Haimar Zubeldia reconnected with this legendary summit, this time from a different angle. Without the pressure of competition, they revisited the place that shaped their careers, accompanied by a bike symbolizing the technological evolution of their sport.
Photos: ©Orbea
A glorious past on the Ventoux
In June 2004, Iban Mayo achieved a performance that went down in history by climbing Mont Ventoux alone during the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré time trial. With a time of 55 minutes and 51 seconds, he surpassed the favorites, securing victory, the ascent record, and the leader’s jersey. « It was an exceptional day, an unforgettable hat-trick », Mayo recalls nostalgically.
A record broken this July 22, 2025, by one minute by… Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, but also by Primoz Roglic.
Four years earlier, in 2000, Haimar Zubeldia had also left his mark on this mythical pass. During the Dauphiné, a strong performance on the stage finishing at Ventoux earned him the lead in the general classification, finishing second in the final standings. « Among all the passes of the Tour, the Ventoux is the one I remember most », he confides.
A meaningful return
This return has neither a race number nor a timed objective, but is driven by the intact passion of the two former champions. At 47 for Mayo and 48 for Zubeldia, the experience lived on this Provençal giant takes on a new dimension. What was once synonymous with pain and competition now transforms into a moment of reflection and respect for their past. « The effort is still there, but the body perceives it differently », notes Zubeldia.
A striking technological evolution
Unlike the ascents of yesteryear, performed on aluminum bikes equipped with mechanical gear changes, low-profile wheels, and rim brakes, the two riders this time pedaled on the latest generation of the Orbea Orca. This model, featuring a state-of-the-art carbon frame, disc brakes, full cable integration, and compatibility with electronic groupsets, embodies a technological revolution. Lighter, more efficient, and more responsive, this bike reflects the advancements that have transformed the practice of professional cycling.
An inspiring contrast
While the mountain retains its imposing character and challenges, cycling and its practitioners have evolved. This return to Mont Ventoux illustrates a bridge between two eras: that of raw physical struggle and that of performance optimized by technology. This encounter between past and present tells a story that continues to motivate new generations of cyclists, making Ventoux a timeless symbol of the sport.
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