RCC SUMMITS

RCC SUMMIT PROVENCE

Last weekend, 120 members from around the world came together in Provence for the RCC Summit. In honour of Rapha’s 20th anniversary, we took members to one of cycling’s most hallowed destinations and a definitive inspiration for Rapha, Mont Ventoux. This is the story of this year’s Summit.

Day 1: 32.4 KM ↑ 541 M

Members travelled from 22 countries to join us in Provence. On arrival, they built their bikes before a 32km shakeout ride allowed them to wake up their legs and connect to this beautiful location. Alex, who joined us from Hungary said it best, “I’m here for joy.”

Day 2: 109 KM ↑ 1,689 M

The second day of the Summit was our chance to open up. We spent time hanging out on the bike, getting to know the roads, and each other. The stunning landscapes of Provence certainly helped – quickly forgetting what we left behind while immersing ourselves in time and place. The energy of an RCC peloton is a sight we’ll never grow tired of – chatty, enlivened, supporting and eager for what’s up the road. Often, we don’t know each other or speak the same language, but we are all connected by our passion for cycling.

Day 3: 189 KM ↑ 3,818 M

It was one of those rides that’s so good it empties your mind. How could you put words to a ride that pushes you to your limit? Our route ascended one of the most revered climbs in Europe – Mont Ventoux – bookended by a descent through Vaucluse's treasure: Gorges de la Nesque. It was a hard day on the bike, make no mistake. As Tim Krabbe says of the ascent from Bedoin, “Making good time doesn’t work. You either make or you don’t, your watch minds its own business.” It had all the elements – steep gradients, intense wind and… delicious pizza for those running on fumes.

Day 4: 42 KM ↑ 597 M

Summit day four resembled the day after a big night out. Some riders appeared sharp and focused for the last rides, others stayed silently out of sight to quietly recover. We rolled out with that feeling of accomplishment that follows all big achievements, encouraging conversations and motivation for the final efforts up each climb. You know it’s good for you, but the mind always resists a little. A feast of colourful produce welcomed us at the bustling Coustellet farmers' market, giving us one last glimpse of life in Provence. A final climb back to Bonnieux, then it was time to relax, bid farewell, and look forward to seeing one another on the road again soon. Merci Provence.

RCC Summit Kyoto takes place April 10-13, 2025. Save the date and register your interest below.