Lance Armstrong's win less than three years after he had undergone treatment for testicular cancer was the best story the sport could have hoped for.

Ullrich's 1997 win was dominant

Since then the American has become a star in his home country, and this year's Tour is likely to have more followers than ever across the Atlantic.

Jan Ullrich's 1997 win at the age of 23 had a similar effect in Germany - until then not one of continental Europe's cycling hotbeds.

The German is back after missing the 1999 event, and looked in great shape during last month's Tour of Switzerland despite early season concerns about his weight and form.

Pantani: Back after a year of reflection

In stark contrast to last year, when there were no former winners starting, there will be three on the start-ramp at the Futuroscope theme park.

Marco Pantani triumphed in 1998 against a backdrop of police raids and the biggest scandal the sport had ever known.

He has hardly raced in the past year since being caught up in a similar scandal himself.

The blood check he failed at the Tour of Italy was not a positive dope test, and the Italian still maintains his innocence.

It all promises to be a fantastic fight for the coveted yellow jersey, even without the sub-plots or the bunch sprints and mountain stages.

Jalabert during 1998's chaos: The Frenchman returns this year

The route itself passes through the village of five-times Tour winner Bernard Hinault, and goes near to Ullrich's home in the German Black Country.

In the centenary year of the world governing body, the UCI, there is also a visit to its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

As well as the glory and the organisation, tragedies from the Tour's past are also remembered.

UK fans will not have Chris Boardman to cheer this year after he was ruled out due to illness.

David Millar: British debutant

But a new star could be born in the shape of 23-year-old Scot David Millar.

In a Millennium race which begins at one of Europe's most futuristic tourist attractions, Millar will aim to win the reinstated white jersey for riders aged under 25.

The presence of some 30 young hopefuls is a sign that despite its recent murky past, the Tour and the sport has every confidence in the years ahead.

The race begins on Saturday 1 July, and ends three weeks and one day later in Paris.