Tejay van Garderen’s form has been indifferent so far this season, with second on Green Mountain – and second overall – at the Tour of Oman, and a Volta a Catalunya stage win the two highlights.

But the American insists he is ahead of where he was last year, form-wise, when he went on to finish fifth at the Tour de France to back-up the same result from 2012.

With Cadel Evans now retired, BMC Racing are crying out for somebody to earn the team new Grand Tour successes, and van Garderen seems the best qualified.

What he lacks, however, despite a series of strong overall performances, is a major stage race win, with his two USA Pro Challenge victories and Tour of California success his only overall wins so far.

But he was third in this race in 2010, and will no doubt be buoyed by the success of compatriot Talansky last year as a mark of what can be achieved.

Given the importance of the summit finish on the penultimate day, and given van Garderen’s ability in the mountains, this could be the race at which he fully announces himself as a top GC man.

Tejay van Garderen – form guide

Best 2015 results: Tour of Oman (second overall), Volta a Catalunya (stage win)

Best Criterium du Dauphine result: Third (2010)