Hell hath no fury as a Wiggins scorned. If, as he claimed last week, Sir Brad is to miss the Tour de France, he will take to the start line in Monmouthshire with a point to prove – and the form, backing and squad strength to do exactly that. Wiggins has enjoyed good form this season with a top-ten finish at Paris-Roubaix and overall success at the Tour of California. He will ride in Abergavenny fresh from the Tour de Suisse.

He proved three years ago just what he can do with a strong team backing. Sky certainly have the strength and numbers to set the tempo on the day and contest the stage win among themselves, as they did in 2011. And on that occasion, Wiggins proved he was stronger than his team-mates by soloing to victory. He was also active on the front when the race was last held in Abergavenny – though the Tumble, where he did much of his attacking, does not feature on this occasion. Nevertheless, the 2012 Tour de France champion will certainly be among the favourites this time out.