There was much excitement when organisers ASO unveiled the route back in October, with the 21 hairpins of Alpe d’Huez concluding the penultimate stage.

But while that stage, as with every mountain-top finish, is going to be important, Kelly is keen to point out the importance of every mountain stage in deciding the GC – to the extent it could already be game over by stage 20.

“Alpe d’Huez could be a very important stage on the penultimate day but it depends on the conditions and who’s leading,” he explained, “and what sort of advantage they have in the general classification.

“For all the podium places that could be the case. It could be a deep battle between them on Alpe d’Huez on that penultimate day.

“But, the Pyrenees are always going to be vital too. That’s where you can start to make the difference.

“The mountain-top finishes, the Pyrenees stages and the other Alpine stages are all going to be very important, not just Alpe d’Huez.”

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