Mont Ventoux Challenge: Smetske does it again!!!
Together with companion Marc Herremans - on the handbike - and supported by family and friends, Joël Smets competed today on the infamous Mont Ventoux. To raise money for “To Walk Again,” the five-time motocross world champion took on the challenge of cycling up the 1909-meter-high mountain backwards. Smets came, saw and conquered!
In 2006, Joël Smets and ex-triathlete Marc Herremans – together “Team Averechts” – had already successfully climbed the mythical Mont Ventoux 'in reverse'. The Red Bull KTM sports manager did this feat again especially for his 50th birthday. His bicycle had been slightly modified for the occasion. Read: an inverted saddle, and two mirrors where the saddle is normally located.
Joel Smets: “I'm so glad we did it! The last few kilometers were really killer, so steep, unbelievable. In the end I was going slower than walking speed but giving up was not an option.” Powerhouse Marc Herremans also showed once again that he is made of the right top sports cloth. The former Ironman world champion and two-time Belgian triathlon champion lifted himself onto the “bare mountain” using only the strength of his arms. “On the top with a winner,” Herremans said via Instagram this afternoon after he and his good friend finally reached the observatory after almost 4 hours and 30 minutes of hard work.
Marc and Joël's stunt took place at the same time as the annual one My Ventoux Challenge Sporta's cycling event with which thousands of enthusiastic cyclists have already pushed their limits. That Mon Ventoux took place for the 15th time today.
Weedo Walk Again” still wants to support, can go here via the special donation page. Nice and easy and more than 120 people with their hearts in the right place preceded you 😉 Marc and Joël, congratulations from the entire MXMag editorial team!
Video: Joel Smet's Instagram
Photos: Sporta / Mon Ventoux
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