While the start of the Tour is being compared to a series of Classics, LeMond does not believe it is anything out of the ordinary.

And with that in mind, the race is going to be decided in the mountains – starting with the first Pyrenean mountain-top finish on La-Pierre-Saint-Martin.

“People are saying it’s like a Classic every day, but to me the Tour de France has always been that way,” LeMond explained.

“You need to be in the top 20, 25 riders all the time because otherwise you’re playing roulette. You’ve got to be on the front

“But it’s going to come down to the mountains. I think the Pyrenees, the first mountain stage with the one climb to La-Pierre-Saint-Martin, is going to be important. It’s the day after a rest day and that’s going to be the first chance to see the riders’ form.

“There could be some big differences and that’s where I think the first selection’s going to be. From that you’ll see the main competitors. I think the stage to Plateau de Beille is going to be a really difficult stage too. That’s going to be another really decisive day.”