June 11 update: It's kind of surprising, we have a race in the French Alps that has taken place since the 1940s and this is the first time they'll go up Alpe d'Huez. But, it's fitting that the year the ASO takes over this race is the year Alpe d'Huez is added. Of course, Alpe d'Huez has been used many times in the Tour de France. Learn about Alpe d'Huez and its history with the Tour de France.

Before the race reaches a climax on Alpe d'Huez, there is a lot climbing preceding it. There is the cat 2 Col du Grand Cucheron (18.5 km of 4.4 %) at km 49 and then the beyond category Col du Glandon (19.5 km of 7.2 %) at km 99.

This is the queen stage and needless to say, the race should be decided today. RadioShack's Janez Branjkovic has a healthy lead (1:41) on 3rd place Alberto Contador heading in. Alpe d'Huez rarely disappoints so look for be some good drama. Carlos Sastre put over 2 minutes on the rest of the field when he won on Alpe d'Huez at the 2008 Tour de France on his way to winning the overall title. — Steve

Stage 6 categorized climbs:
Km 13.0 - Côte des Fontaines - 2.5 km of 6.2 % (Category 3)
Km 49.0 - Col du Grand Cucheron - 18.5 km of 4.4 % (Category 2)
Km 99.0 - Col du Glandon - 19.5 km of 7.2 % (HC)
Km 151.0 - Alpe-d'Huez - 13.8 km of 7.9 % (HC)

Steephill.tv French Alps Touring Reports  • Alpe d'Huez and Col du Galibier  • Col de Sarenne (Alpe d'Huez)  • Villard Notre Dame  • The Vercors  • Provence: Le Mont-Ventoux  • Provence: Les Baronnies