Prior to the opening stage time trial of the Dubai Tour, Spartacus announced he was not a favourite for the stage, having suffered an illness over the winter and a training crash. And so it proved, as he finished fifth in the stage – marginally slower than fourth-placed world time trial champion Tony Martin (Omega Pharma-Quickstep). Once again in Qatar the Trek Factory Racing man missed out on a top-three finish, having to settle for fourth on stage three – six seconds slower than stage winner Michael Hepburn (Orica-GreenEDGE).

If indeed he is short of fitness and off-form, they are both incredible results – albeit not of the high standards Cancellara sets of himself. So, how much should we believe from the Swiss ace? His most recent interview stated he is feeling the effects of having travelled straight from Dubai to Qatar, while Oman is still on his calendar. But don’t believe for one second that Cancellara is off-key – two impressive time trial results despite being short of fitness, and a strong ride in Dubai to stay in the leading group each day. Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) may have stepped up his preparations for the Spring Classics with a stage victory in Qatar, but Spartacus is shaping up nicely ahead of their much-anticipated battle royale on the cobbles.