While Sir Bradley Wiggins is Team Sky’s big-name rider on the start line, Geraint Thomas, British champion in 2010, is one of the form men for the British WorldTour team. As well as enjoying home advantage, Thomas has already proved this year that undulating circuits suit him as a rider – see Paris-Nice and E3-Harelbeke for evidence. He is also in good shape, burying himself on the Col du Beal before Chris Froome powered to the Criterium du Dauphine stage two win.

Set to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games one month later, Thomas will be keen to impress in front of his home supporters before turning his attention to supporting Froome at the Tour de France. Of the Sky riders on the start list, he has already proved he is one of their best one-day riders – particularly with Ian Stannard recovering from injury. If it is a break that wins, expect the Welshman to be among it as Sky bids to take the national champion’s jersey with them to the Yorkshire Grand Depart.