World champion Rui Costa is bidding for a hat-trick of victories at the Tour de Suisse, but faces a much tougher course than the one he earned the yellow jersey on last year. Last time out there were no summit finishes, and the race concluded with the time trial – where Costa overhauled Mathias Frank (BMC Racing) on the final day. However, the climbs should hold no fears for the Portuguese star – particularly if he is serious about his Tour de France charge.

His barren year in the rainbow jersey so far does not mean he is out of form either. Indeed, second at the Volta ao Algarve and third at Paris-Nice and the Tour de Romandie, mean the only thing lacking from his CV this season is a victory. The time trials will hold no fears for the Portuguese national champion, and his ability on the stages favouring attacking riders – as he showed at last year’s Tour de France and Paris-Nice this time out – could seem him build an advantage over his rivals. If he can keep pace with them on the big climbs, he certainly remains favourite for a third straight success.