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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Paris-Roubaix Femmes Live - Hell of the North opens its gates to the riders
Don't miss all the action from the elite women's 148.5km race that includes 17 cobblestone sectors between Denain and Roubaix -
João Almeida defends lead in tough Itzulia Basque Country final stage - LIVE
Almeida holds 30 second lead on the challenging 153.5km finale in Eibar -
Lidl-Trek have drilled their 13sp derailleurs for Paris-Roubaix to make them 12sp
An extra limit screw has been added to make an XPLR-road hybrid -
Paris-Roubaix: mostly dry weather now forecast, but overnight rain showers risk slippery cobblestones for men's race
Completely dry course and warm weather expected for Paris-Roubaix Femmes
