It's a bit over 1600m vertical - so it's a fairly big climb. And pretty tough. Although I must admit I'm a bit puzzled by all the fuss: it seems to be the only mountain that people on this forum talk about. It's not the highest, or longest, or hardest climb in the Alps by any means. I know that these things are subjective, but the scenery looks pretty dull in comparison with the Dolomites (eg the Sella Ronda - although, OK, that's setting the bar a bit high). And apart from being the place where Tom Simpson died it doesn't seem to have much history attached to it. I suspect that if it wasn't for the fact that a Brit cyclist died there it would be just one of a number of French mountain passes.
Am I being unfair?
It is diiferent. It is not a col/pass. It has plenty of history (of which Simpson is a small but significant part). Scenery at the top is fantastic -IF the weather is good.
And this is the point. If you have anything but good weather conditions it can be extremely tough. My first attempt, I was advised not to ride because the wind was too strong and gusting. The day before, a guy was blown off and ended up in hospital with broken bones.
This is what I said in another Ventoux thread:
IMO ventoux is not difficult. It is hard, but not difficult,
IF:
a) you are fit and like hills
b) you don't pretend to race Quintana and Froome
c) the weather gods are on your side, and
d) you have good mental fortitude.
Of these, I would quite possibly consider the most important to be d).