Joining the trail of legends

HAVEN’T they got wings, our men who have been able to climb up to heights where even eagles don’t fly? … Oh Sappey, Oh Laffrey, Oh Col Bayard, Oh Tourmalet! I shall not fail in my duty to proclaim to the world that you are like an insignificant and common beer compared to the Galibier: all one can do before this giant is doff one’s hat and bow.” — French newspaper July 11, 1911.

July 11, 2011: “THE stage everyone is afraid of.”

The description of stage 19 on the official Tour de France website didn’t instil much confidence. But it did offer some hope: I was not the only one whose tummy flipped at the thought of taking on the Tour’s toughest stage.