The 21-year-old Geraint Thomas is a hugely talented rider on the track and the road.

Like Cavendish, he is a product of the GB Olympic Academy - in fact, the Welshman has often been the Manx rider's lead-out in international races.

Thomas, who lost his spleen in a bad crash in 2005, was given his Tour de France shot when his UK-based, South African-financed team Barloworld were given a wildcard entry.

A junior and senior world track champ, Thomas is destined for a long and successful career but this Tour will be all about learning.