We were given a glimpse of Alejandro Valverde's potential when he beat Lance Armstrong on the climb to Courchevel in 2005, but the Spaniard has suffered bad luck with accidents and injuries and has yet to complete a Tour.

At 27, age is on the Caisse d'Epargne star's side and he is rightly regarded as an all-rounder.

Last year he tasted success in the Spring Classics, challenged Vinokourov in the Vuelta and topped the ProTour standings.

The continuing Operation Puerto saga may yet be a distraction, though. Valverde has been forced on the back foot recently after his name was linked to the scandal.