Tour Down Under champion in 2013, Dutchman Tom-Jelte Slagter’s omission from the Belkin Tour de France squad raised a few eyebrows – not least from the rider himself. Claiming he was not selected because he had not signed a new contract with the team, Slagter endured an anonymous end to the season before signing for Garmin-Sharp in the winter. A team packed with talented young riders, it appeared the perfect fit for the 24-year-old and he has lived up to the billing so far by taking his first win of the season.

Slagter instigated the race-winning break and timed his sprint to perfection to give Geraint Thomas no chance of catching him, saluted his new team as he crossed the finish line by showing off the front of his jersey. With the Tour Down Under already on his palmares Slagter has proved he can compete at the top level and another Grand Tour omission this season seems highly unlikely.