Up until a month ago, Polish champion Michal Kwiatowski would have been considered a favourite for the white jersey after a superb start to the year. Having pulled on the white jersey for several stages last year, before eventually being usurped by Nairo Quintana (Movistar), the 24-year-old is keen to go even better this time around. Having won the Volta ao Alagarve, Strade Bianche and Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana this season, it is fair to say the Pole made an electrifying start to his preparations.

Usurping winter signing Rigoberto Uran, Kwiatkowski also went on to wear the leader’s jersey at Tirreno-Adriatico, finished second in the Tour of the Basque Country and twice finished on the podium during a strong Spring Classics campaign. And after claiming the leader’s jersey on stage one of the Tour de Romandie, Kwiatkowski enjoyed a well-earned break from racing.

His return, however, was an unspectacular showing at the Criterium du Dauphine, where he was unable to keep up with the pace of the likes of Froome and Contador. Nevertheless, Omega Pharma-Quickstep have vowed to challenge on two fronts – Cavendish for the sprints, Kwiatkowski for GC – at the Tour, and the Pole will be confident of his white jersey chances.