Oscar Sevilla: Best young rider in Tour 2001

But many are tippinmg them to overcome various setbacks and cause the sort of surprises for which they are famous.

The Spanish outfit have struggled financially with riders going unpaid for three months in the build-up to the event.

At one stage, this year's Tour had looked like Kelme's last in the current colours.

The sponsors have since resolved their differences and will stay on until 2005.

However Oscar Sevilla has been linked with moves to Telekom and Phonak.

Reports are also circulating that team leader Santiago Botero is currently racing on a student visa which will expire after the Tour de France.

Botero: Climber, time triallist and potential podium finisher

Botero also won the King of the Mountains prize in 2000, and he has since developed into a strong time triallist.

Jose Enrique Gutierrez also impressed in 25th. All three will compete again this year.

Aside from taking the overall team prize, Sevilla picked up the white jersey as the best young rider in the race.

Kelme's team bosses have already made clear their intention to repeat that feat with Santi Perez.