Etape Du Tour essentials: how to make it to the start… and finish in style

So the 2011 Etape du Tour route has been officially announced. For the first time, there will be two Etapes, with most attention focussed on ‘Acte 1’ mirroring Stage 19 of the Tour, crossing the classic Telegraphe and Galibier cols before finishing on the iconic Alpe d’Huez. Tempted to have a go? David Else looks back at some previous Etapes and offers some practical advice.