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@almac68
Dan, are you still doing the Etape du Jour?
Remember that this is only one day. A big effort yes, so enjoy every pedal stroke these mountains are legendary and it will be over quicker than you know it. in 2007 i completed an 8 day tour on a Condor Italia '96 531C steel frame 8-speed and original 105 groupset, the only parts i replaced were a 13-26 casette, the wheels (i could only afford Mavic Askium) and saddle (Fizik Arione).. by the time i got to Cannes i lost 2 stone and felt unbreakable and could have ridden on to do the whole of the Pyrenees.
modane to telegraphe is just a warm up, short descent then climb from valloire to col du galibier is long and stunning, pray that you have good weather and prepare for everything.. the drop off on the other side is tres magnifique, plenty of hairpins and fast stretches. Looking down past Le Grave it feels like you've arrived in a Tibetian Valley its absolutely breath-taking. Have a short rest before climbing Alpe d'Huez, its all myth and not that hard, so go and break Pantani's TT course record.
You should develop a good / safe technique descending as well as learning to climb so read up and get advice on cornering, over-taking, controlling speed, carry food / energy drinks.
Plan for a long rides every weekend start with 30miles if you can, then build up gradually for endurance and sign up for a few sportive along the way to get use to riding in a bunch.
PM me if you want join us for some training rides in chilterns / surrey hills / north downs..