Moreau looks the only real contender capable of changing that this summer.

But the start to his season was an horrific one.

After what seemed like a dream switch from Festina to Credit Agricole, he crashed in his first race with his new employers, the GP Marseillaise.

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

The 31-year-old has already made an impact in Le Tour.

Last season he won the opening prologue, donning the yellow jersey as a result. He was also the prologue winner in the Dauphine Libere.

The Frenchman's Tour ended in misery last year when he abandoned the race while on a Pyrenean stage.

He recalled recently: "I can't forget that, but such disappointment ought to serve me well."