Russia is well represented this year and Vladimir Karpets has all the tools to one day claim his country's first Tour de France title.

The time-trial expert announced his talent when he won the white jersey for best young rider in 2004. He finished 13th overall.

He then disappointed for two years only to resurface in 2007 with impressive wins in the Tours of Catalunya and Switzerland.

A top-10 finish is very attainable and a place on the podium possible, but with Valverde and Oscar Pereiro also on board his Caisse d'Epargne team could be spoilt for choice.