A strong start to the season, which includes victories at the Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana, Volta ao Algarve and Strade Bianche, has seen Polish champion Michal Kwiatkowski’s stock increase dramatically. All that is now lacking for the season is an overall WorldTour success after countless near misses. Two days in the leader’s jersey at both Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour de Romandie and second place overall in the Basque Country have proved Kwiatkowski can challenge for stage race honours and even saw him outshine team-mate Rigoberto Uran.

Now, after enjoying a hard-earned break from competitive racing, Kwiatkowski will be chomping at the bit to get back to the action as he prepares for the Tour de France. The Belgian super team proved, with Uran, they are capable of challenging for overall honours and Kwiatkowski – according to the provisional startlist – will have Zdenek Stybar and Jan Bakelants among those in his camp for Dauphine. The key now will be for the Pole to prove he can finish a job off – something he was unable to do as Alberto Contador took charge of Tirreno-Adriatico.