MOREAU PROFILE DOB: 12.04.1971 Nationality: French Team: Credit Agricole Best Tour: 2000 - Fourth overall

But only in 2000 - when he was fourth - has he ever really delivered.

As arguably the best French cyclist in the general classification, the weight of expectation understandably rests heavily on his shoulders.

Last year he was relatively blameless after enduring two dire crashes on the opening stage, which eventually caused him to retire altogether.

But this year the 32-year-old knows his chances are increasingly running out.

Once again expectations will be high among the French public and at Credit Agricole he should have the back-up to compete.

In summary, his 2002 season was a poor one from start to finish.

After a dream move from Festina he crashed in his first race with his new employers - the GP Marseillaise.

He was left with a broken collarbone but has since steered clear of injury problems and is CA's major hope for a top placing.

The previous year at the Tour he looked in great shape when he won the opening prologue to immediately go into yellow.

But he was forced to retire during a Pyrenean stage.

Of his past failures on the Tour, he said: "I can't forget that, but such disappointment ought to serve me well."