Possibly the most anticipated start to a Tour in the past decade, the Grand Depart in Fromentine, on the west coast of the country, is a time trial and not the traditional shorter prologue. All eyes will be on Lance Armstrong to see if the dominance he has shown in recent Tour time trials will continue and kickstart his campaign for a seventh Tour victory. He'll be challenged on the flat, 19 kilometre parcours by in-orm riders such as Michael Rogers, who is looking good after a successful Tour de Suisse, and Santiago Botero, whose class shined through at the Tour of Romandy. Fabian Cancellara, last year's surprise prologue winner, may have another surprise in store, and look to Brad McGee to throw up a threat; he's a perennial challenger for prologue honours - the extra distance shouldn't bother him too much, but his GC ambitions may control his push for opening day honours a little.
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'I didn't expect to be at this level already' – Remco Evenepoel still improving ahead of Liège-Bastogne-Liège clash with Tadej Pogačar
Olympic champion has surprised himself with such good shape after returning to racing from injury -
Vuelta Asturias: Ivan Garcia Cortina nabs breakaway win on stage 2
Movistar rider narrowly hangs onto victory ahead of chaser Julius Johansen in second, as Marc Soler finishes third and takes the overall lead -
'Really happy and proud' – No complaints for Thymen Arensman after losing Tour of the Alps lead on final day
Dutchman admits Michael Storer was 'on another level' as the Australian clawed back the overall win on stage 5 -
'Nico deserves it more' – Prodhomme wins final stage as teenage Paul Seixas becomes the revelation of the Tour of the Alps
French 18-year-old repays teammate with first pro victory as Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale go 1-2 in Lienz
