On paper, stage three appears ideal for Tejay van Garderen – four tough climbs would normally see the American in his element, attacking freely and putting the hurt on his rivals. But since crashing in the prologue, van Garderen has been reduced to ‘also-ran’, again sitting up as the peloton upped the pace and rolling in almost a minute later than the leaders. His expression at the finale suggested otherwise, but it may well prove to be merely a ploy to allow himself more freedom on stage three.

If he struggles however, there may be some concern for his BMC Racing team, with two months to go until the start of the Tour de France. Van Garderen was in top form at the start of the season, and his stage win at the Volta a Catalunya proved. One misjudged corner in the prologue in Romandie however, and Van Garderen looks a shadow of his former self. Perhaps it is tactical – with his GC ambitions in tatters, perhaps he has saved himself for the tougher stages. Only time will tell.