While defending champion Chris Froome has only raced three times this season – injury disrupting his original pre-Tour programme – the Kenyan-born Brit showed he has not lost any of his form as he surged to Tour de Romandie success. Froome, who has also won at the Tour of Oman this season, could not match Alberto Contador in Catalunya but can right that wrong as he bids to secure a fourth straight Dauphine win for Team Sky.
Last time out, team-mate Richie Porte finished second as Sky dominated the race and the Australian will be keen to prove he is back on top form after an illness-disrupted season. The two have been training together and, according to Froome, are both in good shape. The lack of a big time trial denies Froome the chance to earn big time gaps against the clock, but if he continues where he left off in Romandie there is no reason to suggest he cannot defend another title.
