Team Saxo Bank

The season didn’t get off to the greatest of starts for Bjarne Riis’ team after co-sponsor troubles and the departure of Sastre (Cervelo), Julich and McGee (both retired). On paper the Danish squad look weaker than in previous years, with only Frank Høj bringing in some much needed Classics experience. Those setbacks aside the team still boast one of cycling’s most exciting riders in Andy Schleck. The young Luxembourger – and Cyclingnews diarist - may have only won a handful of races but he was the strongest rider in last year’s Tour and save for one disastrous bout of hunger knock, a place on the podium would have been his. He could be Contador’s strongest challenger at the Tour this year.

Star riders:

Fabien Cancellara: The Olympic TT Champion had a superb 2008, taking Milan San Remo, Erioca, Tirreno Adriatico, two stages in the Tour de Suisse and the Olympic time trial. 2009 hasn’t been anywhere near as prolific, with injury, a lack of form and bad luck taking its toll.

Andy Schleck: Despite the fact that Shleck is a diarist for us, Cyclingnews were confident in boasting Schleck could be Contador’s main challenger at the Tour this year. Last year a team insider told us that Schleck needed to win some races in order to confirm his potential. He duly delivered, winning Liege-Bastogne-Liege in April.

One to watch:

Jacob Fuglsang won last year’s Tour of Denmark for CSC whilst riding as a stagiaire. The former MTB star has been labelled as a future Tour rider.