But they lack the required general in the team to launch an effective battle against Lance Armstrong.

Former world number one Laurent Jalabert is the most experienced rider in their midst.

But age and problems with injury this season mean he is unlikely to threaten for the top spot.

He will also do well to emulate his shock win of last year's King of the Mountains prize.

America's Tyler Hamilton looks the major rider for the team on the general classification.

Riis did well to poach him from US Postal, where he was one of Armstrong's key assistants.

He lived up to his much-publicised switch when he finished second to Paolo Savoldelli in the Giro d'Italia, less than two minutes back.

Whether the American has it in him to be competitive in another grand tour is another matter.

Michael Blaudzun is still the team's best homegrown talent while Italy's Andrea Peron and Tristan Hoffman, from Holland, are the other major contenders.

This year the team have a legitimate place in the Tour line-up unlike last year where controversy surrounded their inclusion.

It was revealed, shortly after they were handed a wildcard, that the Danish outfit were one of the suppliers for the race.