One More City 2026: Vence to Montpellier via Mont Ventoux with Helen Bridgman
Four days, countless laughs, incredible riding, a mountain of memories and a heart fuller than I can describe.
One More City is the most uplifting and rewarding ride I do all year, and 2026 was no exception. I had the most amazing group around me. The only entry requirement to The Unfaffables? You had to be up for having fun. And boy, did we deliver!
Day 1: Vence to Castellane
We kicked things off with a big climb straight out of Vence. No easing ourselves in gently! But what a day: quiet roads, glorious sunshine, stunning views and roadside picnics, with plenty of time to share stories and get to know friends old and new.
Sarah’s glorious cadence was a joy to watch as all that work on spinning faster paid off on the climbs. Our gorgeous jerseys looked incredible against the scenery (the colour was absolutely perfect), while Denzil was in full fundraising mode, chatting to locals about the OMC cause and collecting donations wherever he could.
Anna, meanwhile, was waiting roadside with tunes and cowbells to cheer us over the top of Col de St Barnabé and home to the hotel. What a way to finish the day!
Day 2: Castellane to Sault
Another big day in the saddle, starting chilly before the sun worked its magic once again. The spectacular Gorge du Verdon brought back memories of family holidays, and for a long stretch our little group had the road almost to ourselves.
In the afternoon, we hitched a few rides on the back of the faster groups for a welcome tow and some great chats; Aki debuted his new, very stylish glasses; and we had our first sightings of Mont Ventoux in the distance, reminding us of the challenge waiting for us the following day. We rolled into Sault at golden hour light, tired but happy.
Images by Vincent Engel
Day 3: Sault to Pont du Gard via Mont Ventoux
My favourite day. A huge day, a huge mountain and a whole lot of emotion.
It began with one of those pinch-me moments, riding through the Gorge de la Nesque and feeling utterly privileged to be there. Then a great coffee at Pista before we turned our attention to Ventoux.
Our support team timed the Red Ambulance stop to perfection, and as we climbed, we passed the Cheer Squad corner from the Tour de France Femmes (better late than never). The final 6km called for some musical encouragement, so I sang to fellow riders all the way up (whether they appreciated my dulcet tones is another matter!).
And then… the summit. Every single person made it! The elation, the views, the shared achievement. Absolutely unforgettable.
What followed was pure joy: a fast descent with Jonathan, before joining forces with other groups in true One More City spirit to tackle the remaining 85km. Two badly timed punctures for me provided some extra entertainment, and I even got to show our brilliant mechanic Florent my trusty Tyre Glider, to help get the tyre back on.
Caroline tried to catch the end of the Women's World Road Race Championships on her phone whenever we stopped, and eventually, after a TWELVE-HOUR day on the road, we rolled into Pont du Gard at sunset. Still smiling. Still laughing. Still full of joy.
Day 4: Pont du Gard to Montpellier
A team selfie to start the day and a walk across Pont du Gard in the mist was magical.
Lois appeared like a vision on the cycle path to help with a puncture (not mine this time!), and we narrowly avoided a gravel detour after coming to our senses and opting for the road to Denzil’s brother’s castle.
Angus welcomed us into his stunning home with coffee and the most insane pastries. A pretty special stop before the final push into Montpellier.
And then came the finish. We were the last group to roll in, and were greeted by massive cheers. Beers, snacks, hugs, tears, joy, laughter. Four days of shared effort, kindness, fun and adventure came flooding out all at once.
Hearts full to bursting!
I arrived at One More City with a heavy heart. I left with a bank of joyful memories, a renewed sense of perspective and the feeling that I could take on the world again.
That's the magic of OMC. Yes, the riding is extraordinary. The scenery is spectacular. And conquering Mont Ventoux together is something I'll never forget.
But it's the people, the laughter, the generosity, the shared moments and the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself that make it so special.
One More City, you absolute beauty. Thank you for filling my heart right back up 🩷🩷🩷
— Helen Bridgman
WIN a 2026 Rapha x OMC special edition jersey!
We're proud to share that in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, One More City is giving away one of their 2026 Rapha One More City jerseys.
Images by Vincent Engel
How to enter:
✅ Follow @rocacorbacollective and @onemorecity_ldn
✅ Donate to the OMC JustGiving page 👇
✅ Every £5 donated = one entry (£10 = two entries, £20 = four)
✅ Add your Instagram handle/ full name to your donation message so we can match your entries
✅ Entries close Friday 30 October
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Want to read more about OMC and this year's research?
Visit onemorecity.cc or Rapha's One More City story.
Thank you for being part of this. Every £5 brings the research one city closer.
— The Rocacorba Collective 🩷
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