MONTPELLIER, France (AP) — The mountain battle between Nairo Quintana and defending Tour de France champion Chris Froome in the grueling climb to the top of Mont Ventoux might not happen after all.
Forecasts of more than 100 kph (62 mph) winds and temperatures as low as 4 degrees Celsius (39 F) at the top of the "Giant of Provence" have forced organizers to move the finish line of Thursday's stage six kilometers (3.7 miles) down the road to the Chalet Reynard.
Ventoux is one of the most famed climbs in the Tour's history. Britain's Tom Simpson collapsed and died on it during the 1967 Tour after he used a lethal cocktail of amphetamines and alcohol.