This year, he will be targeting a seventh consecutive green jersey.

Before Zabel no rider had won more than five, and even then, Ireland's Sean Kelly did not won them consecutively.

But every year, as sure as the Tour finishes in Paris, Zabel is there in a green jersey, with his son celebrating on his shoulders and occasionally with haid dyed green.

Indeed father's success has allowed the world to see just how Zabel Jr has grown each year, ever since the youngster was a baby.

It remains to be seen how long the pair will make their annual Parisian walk up the podium steps.

Last year saw the world number one rider pushed harder than ever, and he only beat Australia's Stuart O'Grady to the jersey on the final stage.

But cycling's Mr Consistency, who turns 32 on day two of the Tour, is still the favourite for this year's green jersey.

Unlike some sprinters has the stamina to get over the high mountains, even if improvements in that area have slightly blunted his highest speed.

His Tour de France career started poorly when he abandoned the race on his first attempt in 1994.

But, unlike most sprinters who are happy just to get to Paris, Zabel has a best Tour finish in the overall classification of 61st back in 2000.

Zabel is also one of the nice guys of the circuit, and has his own personal museum at home - of all the bikes he has ridden to victory.