As previously mentioned, IAM Cycling boast a big budget and the team are reaping the rewards with success already at WorldTour level this season. Expected to be invited to join pro cycling’s elite next season, signings such as Sylvain Chavanel, from Omega Pharma-Quickstep, outlined the team’s big ambitions and they are likely to make a good go of things at the Tour de France. Chavanel has certainly outlined his ambitions, with his incessant attacking at Paris-Nice earning him some time in the polka dot jersey.

Elsewhere, Matteo Pelucchi outsprinted the likes of Arnaud Demare (FDJ.fr), Andre Greipel (Lotto-Belisol) and Peter Sagan (Cannondale) to earn a Tirreno-Adriatico stage victory, while Frank’s strong showing in Romandie will certainly have put his name in the frame for a lead role at the Tour. They missed out on the opportunity to show their colours at the Giro, so expect them to be making up for lost time at the Tour de France.