Christophe Moreau has been brought in from Festina and should start the race among the favourites. at least in the prologue.

In the points race, all eyes will be on Australian Stuart O'Grady, who looks the likeliest candidate to end Erik Zabel's stranglehold over the green jersey.

O'Grady led the points race going into the final stage last year but lost out to the German.

With the riders around him this season, he could go one better.

Other performers of note in the team's ranks are Jonathan Vaughters, the American climber who also specialises in the time trial.

Jens Voigt is an impressive performer and probably one of the best candidates in the entire race for a breakaway stage victory.

Legeay, himself, feels he finally has the line-up to cause the US Postal team some problems this year.

And the Frenchman has the previous know-how of winning, in the team's former colours of Peugeot, Z and Gan.

Added to his experienced riders, a number of under-23 Frenchmen are coming through the ranks and could surprise in the white jersey category.