Seven-time winner Lance Armstrong's return to the Tour de France is one of the sporting stories of the summer. For better or for worse, the Texan will dominate the race, if only in terms of the headlines
After a strong start to the season that included three Giro d'Italia stage wins and winning the Milan-San Remo Classic, Mark Cavendish bids to become the first Brit to win a Tour de France jersey since Robert Millar in 1984
Winner of the 2007 Tour, and favourite this year, Alberto Contador has added formidable time-trialling to his climbing prowess. The only question remaining is whether Armstrong will ride in support of his team-mate
Carlos Sastre's defence of his title has been overshadowed by Armstrong's return. But the Spaniard, strong in the final week of a tour, could have the final say on the potentially decisive penultimate stage up Mont Ventoux
Olympic pursuit champion Bradley Wiggins will be hoping for glory in the two individual time trials, the team time trial and perhaps in an individual breakaway
Twice runner-up in the Tour de France, Australian Cadel Evans will be hoping to go one better this year. Although he has a stronger team this year, he will have his work cut out to challenge for the yellow jersey
The younger of the two Schleck brothers, Andy won the younger rider classification in 2008. Although time trialling is a relative weakness, being co-leader of the strong Saxobank team with brother Frank helps his chances
Scot David Millar, a former yellow-jersey wearer, will, alongside team-mate Bradley Wiggins, be looking for strong performances in the time trials as well as for breakaway opportunities
Russia's Denis Menchov, will hope to become only the eighth man to win the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France in the same year. Despite a masterful win in Italy, he will need to get his tactics spot on in the mountains
Charlie Wegelius is the fourth of the British quartet in the 2009 Tour. An excellent example of a domestique - or support rider - the 31-year-old's role will be to help his team leader, Cadel Evans
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