O'Grady has already been in yellow

Both men will try to gain an advantage at each of the four remaining intermediate stages, which offer six, four and two points to the first three riders over the line.

But the lion's share of the points are handed out at the end of the stages - and that will suit the bunch sprinter Zabel.

Whatever happens, both men will be aware that one slip could prove very costly.

Irishman Sean Kelly, winner of four points jerseys in the Tour, missed out on a fifth on the Champs Elysees itself with defeat in the last sprint of the race.