Steve Cummings last rode the Tour de France in support of Cadel Evans at BMC Racing in 2012, but the Liverpool-born rider returns with MTN-Qhubeka this time out.

The 34-year-old dropped down to Pro Continental level this year and has been in good form since doing so, kickstarting his MTN-Qhubeka career with victory at the Trofeo Andratx-Mirador d’Es Colomer (part of Challenge Mallorca).

Sixth place at Tirreno-Adriatico followed, which was a hugely impressive result, and he earned his stripes for the Tour with some attacking riding at the Criterium du Dauphine.

His focus at the Tour de France, according to team manager Brian Smith, is the opening stage time trial before he hunts for breakaways and opportunist stage wins in the medium-mountains.

He has proven time trialling ability, but will face a difficult task against the likes of Tony Martin, Fabian Cancellara, Tom Dumoulin and Adriano Malori on stage one.

His race will not be defined by just the first day, however; Cummings know his way around the breakaway and with MTN-Qhubeka keen for exposure will be a key man in that regard.

He boasts one Grand Tour stage win from the Vuelta a Espana in 2012 and it is not beyond him to add to that.

Steve Cummings at the Tour de France

2015 highlights: Trofeo Andratx-Mirador d’Es Colomer (winner), Tirreno-Adriatico (sixth overall), Pays de la Loire (sixth overall).

Tour de France participations: two (2010, 2012)
Best overall finish: 95th (2012)
Stage wins: none

What to expect: A strong performace on stage one could kickstart MTN-Qhubeka’s debut Tour de France and beyond that expect him to clock breakaway time and look for some opportunist escapes.