Climb 9 - Taaienberg
Length: 530m
Average gradient: 6.6%
Maximum gradient: 15.8%
Surface: Cobbles
Km from start: 194km
Km from finish: 65km

"This is a pretty little climb that rises through a wooded area, but is also a real leg sapper. It is cobbled all the way to the top, but there is a smooth gutter up the right hand side which riders often ride up in the places where it's free of mud. The steepest section is in the middle, but the cobbled surface prevents it from ever becoming particularly comfortable.

This climb usually has the effect of weakening and slowing down any early attackers who have managed to stay away until now. Everyone else will be doing their best to stay out of trouble and get up the steep cobbles with as little effort as possible." (CyclingNews.com)

Insiders Guide to the climbs on the Ronde van Vlaanderen Part 1 <Click Here>
Insiders Guide to the climbs on the Ronde van Vlaanderen Part 2 <Click Here>

World Champ Bettini sets a heavy pace with Tom Boonen in tow to reel in the break

'The break at two minutes'
At this point of the race the early break was being brought back and we would soon see Bettini lead the
charge up the Taainberg with Tom Boonen on his shoulder. There had already been a number of crashes
one of which had seen Boonen down. Zabel was down twice and the 2nd crash saw him retire
from the race all together and makes him a doubtful Start for Paris Roubaix