He first made his name as a BMX rider before making his way among the sport's elite.

His highlight to date came with the final stage victory on the Champs Elysee in the 1999 Tour de France, the most sought-after win of the race for the fast finishers.

But injuries have plagued the Australian and he has been forced out of a series of high-profile events with a knee complaint.

Should he be able to maintain his consistency, he could trouble the likes of countryman Stuart O'Grady and green jersey hoarder Erik Zabel for the points jersey.

Domo-Farm Frites felt McEwen was not the sprinter for them and let him go last season, paving the way for his best year so far.

And he has already made it clear he is far happier since his switch to Lotto.

The fact that he has happily outsprinted the likes of Zabel and Jan Kirsipuu this season should top up his pre-Tour confidence.