Last year he was the best single-day rider, winning the World Cup title awarded to the best performer in the top 10 races.

This year's defence was ruined before it started with a broken left thigh bone at the season-opening Milan-San Remo race.

But the rider, still ranked among the world's top 10 despite his lay-off, will be a dangerous man to watch in the Tour.

He may boast a freshness his rivals do not have after his lengthy lay-off from the sport.

His aim will not be a high overall finish but to engineer a successful breakaway to win a stage.