Cycling nuts around the world tune in for the stunning finale to this three-week event, but nothing beats actually seeing it for yourself. So will you be in Paris for the arrival of the 2011 Tour de France? Here’s all the details…

Starting 2nd July 2011, the whole of France, nay the world, will once again be obsessed by the biggest cycling event of its kind. If you’d like to see the route, this ultra-modern CGI film will whirl and whoosh you around to explain ti all. You may want to have a sickbag ready.

There are fifteen town on the route for the first time this year (know how French towns get themselves on the route? They pay!), but the finish is of course on the prestigious Champs Elysées (and has been since 1975). Make sure you get there pretty early on Sunday 24th July to stake out your spot. After watching two hours of sponsors drive past, you may even see a cyclist or two!

By the way, this last stage from just outside Paris – 11 kilometres as the crow flies – is spun out to 95 kilometres. Stupid cyclists!The 2011 Tour de France arrives on the Champs Elysées (here) on Sunday 24th July

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