The Italian team invitation to the tour was withdrawn after team leader Gilberto Simoni tested positive for cocaine.

Whether Laurent Brochard and the Jean Delatour team have the fight in them for this year's Tour is a matter for debate.

But, should the popular French team leader hit top form, he could pull a surprise among the elite riders.

Hailed as one of the most aggressive riders in the peloton, Brochard had to make do with 23rd place last year, the team's best finish.

Brochard first came to the public attention as a support rider for Richard Virenque and Laurent Dufaux in the 1997 Tour.

But his strong showing in the race and victory in the road race World Championships in the same year capped a sensational season.

He was caught up in the infamous Festina doping affair of 1998 but has rebuilt his career and reputation with the French public since those dark days.

His fellow countryman, Patrice Halgand, could take up the attentions of the team this time around.

The 28-year-old has showed some good form this season, winning a stage on the Daphine Libere.

The team have since tried to bolster their line-up but, their lack of class throughout, could halt their progress.

The Delatour team have had a chequered past in the race.

Back in 2000, they considered launching legal action against the race organisers after they failed to get an invitation.

This year they benefitted from keeping quiet after a failed application, and Saeco's loss is their gain.