Having won the Tour de France white jersey in 2012, much was expected of Tejay van Garderen last season but it just did not click for the American. A strong start to the season, which included top-five finishes at the Tour de San Luis, Paris-Nice and Criterium International was not transferred to the biggest stage. At the Tour de France, his second-place on Alpe d’Huez aside, van Garderen was reduced to nearly-ran, with his team citing illness as one factor.

But van Garderen has already proved he is back to his best this season with second at the Tour of Oman, only Chris Froome getting the better of him on Green Mountain. The American missed Paris-Nice after illness on the eve of the race but back in WorldTour action he has already made a big impression –fourth on stage three and now winner on the queen stage. Like several BMC Racing riders this season, van Garderen appears to be enjoying a renaissance in form. Keep it up, and he will certainly be considered a major contender for the Tour in July.