FIVE RIDERS TO WATCH
CHRIS FROOME Age: 32, Team Sky
The defending champion in France, Froome is looking for a fourth overall victory and to become the first man since Miguel Indurain to win at least three straight titles.
Froome, right, was not in top form at the Criterium du Dauphine, the traditional warmup race before the Tour, but that might just be a sign he will peak during the Tour.
Main assets: Experience, his super-strong team that includes Sergio Henao, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikel Landa, Mikel Nieve, Luke Rowe and Geraint Thomas.
Question marks: How big a challenge will the route pose to Froome? Will he cope with the small amount of time trialling? Also, there are only two mountaintop finishes, the kind of battleground where Froome normally takes time from his rivals.
NAIRO QUINTANA Age: 27, Movistar Team
Quintana has enjoyed a successful season so far, with victories at Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour of Valencia and a runner-up finish at the Giro.
In his previous three Tours, the Colombian rider has achieved three podium finishes.
With only 36.5km of time trialling — the lowest in the race’s history — this year’s race route suits him well.
Main assets: Climbing abilities, lack of time trialling this year.
Question marks: How big a toll will competing at the Giro take on him?
ROMAIN BARDET Age: 26, Team AG2R
Bardet finished runner-up to Froome last year and French hopes of producing a first home Tour winner in 32 years will once again be weighing on his shoulders.
Bardet has become a fan favourite after he launched a decisive attack during last year’s penultimate Alpine stage in dreadful weather conditions.
Main assets: Attack-minded, excellent climbing qualities, natural instinct for racing.
Question marks: How will he cope with big expectations?
RICHIE PORTE Age: 32, Team BMC
In his first attempt at the Tour de France as a leader, Froome’s former top lieutenant finished fifth last year.
The Australian will be the sole leader at BMC, with his eyes on the top prize.
Porte has won the Tour Down Under and the Tour de Romandie this season. He was runner-up at the Criterium du Dauphine behind surprise winner Jakob Fuglsang.
Main assets: Time trial, climbing.
Question marks: Does Porte have the mental toughness to become a Tour winner?
ALBERTO CONTADOR Age: 34, Trek-Segafredo
It might well be Contador’s final appearance at the Tour de France.
Despite his ageing legs, the “Pistolero” still looks capable of winning cycling’s biggest race.
A two-time winner in France, Contador has built his season around the Tour, where he will lead the Trek-Segafredo outfit.
He trained at altitude for three weeks in May and will be backed by a solid team including Dutchman Bauke Mollema and Colombia’s Jarlinson Pantano, who are expected to provide strong support in the mountains.
Main assets: Climbing abilities, experience.
Question marks: His current form is hard to assess.