Although a shorter stage than the previous day, stage 9 will put the hurt on the riders, with four Cat 3 climbs, one Cat 2 and the Cat 1 Le Ballon d'Alsace to burn the legs - just over 9km at 6.8% - which is something to get a bit excited about. It was the first climb of the Tour in 1905, and as such represents the first real test of the climbers 100 years later. Without Virenque in '05, there may be a new mountain king looking to make his mark early on the big climbs, as this represents the first real mountainous stage and an opportunity for GC contenders to consolidate their position if they're feeling up to it. Whoever takes the stage will have to possess a decent sprint, as it's a good 60km from the summit of Ballon d'Alsace to the finish in Mulhouse, and those teams that can assemble any sort of order after the descent will be in with a real chance of the stage win.
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'I couldn't get out the performances and couldn't understand it' – Sam Bennett reveals off-season surgery to correct heart problem
Irishman had suffered from heart palpitations and flutters prior to November procedure -
'Turn the brain off and just follow them' – Sam Welsford regains the momentum at Tour Down Under as Ineos Grenadiers ushers him to winning position on stage 3
'I was thinking there's no chance' says Australian after he returns to top step of WorldTour podium after a year of absence -
'I'm sure that one day it will pay' – Last man standing Enzo Paleni caught in the final kilometre of stage 3 of the Tour Down Under
Frenchman who likes ‘the art of the breakaway’ awarded the most combative rider prize in Nairne -
Willunga Hill removed, stage 4 shortened as Tour Down Under hit by extreme fire danger rating and scorching temperatures
Stage distance reduced to 131km as temperatures of 43°C forecast for Saturday
