Dan Martin (Cannondale-Garmin) bounced back well on stage 11 after missing the original break, when it finally went clear, to claim second place.

The Birmingham-born Irishman, who was also second on the Mur de Bretagne after being boxed in on the final climb, and fourth on the Mur de Huy has been combative to say the least so far.

And if he keeps it up, his hopes of adding to the Tour de France stage win he bagged in 2013 should be fulfilled.

Stage 14, with the late ascent of the Cote la Croix Neuve, is another on which we should expect to see attacks, while stage 16 is perfectly suited to a breakaway rider, with Rui Costa’s solo victory in Gap in 2013 a testament to that.

The undulating stage 18, which also features the Col du Glandon, may also suit a breakaway rider so expect to see Martin attacking again if his form is still good.

Martin beat his handlebars in frustration when he missed out on stage eight, but with team-mate Ryder Hesjedal also promising to come good in the final week, they still have plenty to play for as a team.

There is plenty more to come from the green argyle team, and you can be sure it’s not the last we’ve seen of Martin up the road.