Last year’s runner-up, Bauke Mollema (Belkin), used the Tour de Suisse as a platform to launch what proved to be an impressive showing at the Tour de France, where he finished sixth. The Dutchman enjoyed a solid start to this year, finishing sixth at the Ruta del Sol, but has been under the radar since – noticeably struggling in the Basque Country. A return to form with two top-ten placings in the Ardennes Classics have provided a boost however.

And he showed he is approaching his best form again after soloing to victory in Lillehammer during the Tour of Norway, going on to finish third overall. Now, Mollema will be keen to step it up ahead of the Tour de France and replicate his 2013 showing in Switzerland – which also included stage two victory.