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've seen places I never thought I'd go, let alone on a bike' – A year on from the Tour de Langkawi win that sparked British rider Zeb Kyffin's Terengganu twist
'I wouldn't trade having seen 15 new countries, or whatever it's been for another year of racing on a club team in Europe or something. It's been exciting,' says Terengganu rider -
'The world caves in on you' - Ion Izagirre reflects on broken wrist injury that wrecked end of 17-year career
Basque star unable to complete final few races after training accident this week -
Nil Gimeno snares first professional win at stage 7 of Le Tour de Langkawi to Batu Pahat
Kern Pharma rider clinches victory as break of four holds off charging sprint teams -
USA gets another UCI race as Battenkill returns to pro calendar
New York event adds men's UCI 1.2 race
