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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French cycling champion Cindy Morvan killed in Calais
'We will not forget you, and our thoughts are especially with your two children' says French Cycling Federation in tribute -
'My legs were definitely where they needed to be' – Thibau Nys upbeat ahead of European cyclocross title defence despite mechanical maladies at Rapencross
Belgian finished 15th place on Sunday after problems with gear shifters and saddle took him out of contention for second season victory -
Best winter cycling shoes: Keep your feet warm with winter-specific footwear
The best winter cycling shoes will offer extra protection in the cold and wet -
The Hunt Wheels Black Friday Sale is huge – with savings of up to $1,200, grab yourself some of the best road wheels at some of the lowest prices I've ever seen
Top-rated performance wheels like the Hunt 60 Limitless UD Carbon Spoke have a huge 40% off, but stock is limited – so move quickly
