The famous Simpson monument.
Back then, people still drank alcohol while riding. The rider, Thomas Simpson, died here of dehydration after falling off his bike a few meters further down and being put back on the bike with the help of spectators. He rode a few meters, swaying, fell over and died on the spot.
Very sad and unimaginable today.

Translated by Google •

Martin Mocquard

May 21, 2024

Tom Simpson died on the slopes of Mont Ventoux during the 13th stage of the 1967 Tour de France (Marseille-Carpentras nicknamed the “thirst stage”). Fatigue, stifling heat (35°C), effort, water deprivation (refueling during races will be authorized in the following years), taking amphetamines are the factors which caused the thermoregulatory capacities to be exceeded. of the body, causing the champion to become unwell and faint[6],[7]. He lay for forty minutes on the rock after leaving the road before dying in the helicopter to Avignon[8]. According to the autopsy report, "death [...] is due to cardiac collapse attributable to an exhaustion syndrome in which certain unfavorable atmospheric conditions may have played a role (heat, anoxemia, humidity of the air ), intense overwork, the use of medications of the type discovered on the victim which are dangerous substances. In this regard, toxicology experts confirm that a certain quantity of amphetamine and methylamphetamine, substances which are included in the composition of the pharmaceutical products found, was detected in the blood, urine, gastric contents and viscera of the deceased. in Simpson's clothes [...]. The same experts specify that the dose of amphetamine absorbed by Simpson could not, in itself, determine his death; that it could, on the other hand, lead him to exceed the limit of his strength and, thereby, favor the appearance of certain disorders linked to his exhaustion[9]. »

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Elevation 1,770 m

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Location: Bédoin, Carpentras, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur, France

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