What a difference 12 months makes – Oleg Tinkov’s move to headline sponsor has brought more than just a swap of the team name and colours.

From a disappointing 2013 campaign, Tinkoff-Saxo, or more specifically Alberto Contador, has been in scintillating form this year.

El Pistolero has been resurgent this season, winning at Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour of the Basque Country and finishing second in the Algarve and Catalunya – making him the current world number one in the process.

Roman Kreuziger’s third place at the former, and solid showing at the Ardennes Classics – where he twice earned top ten finishes – showed Contador’s chief lieutenant is also in good shape.

And the return of Michael Rogers could not have come at a better time either. Cleared of doping – as he had always insisted was the case – Rogers showed he has kept himself in shape with some intensive training, and has been able to get vital racing miles at the Giro.

Armed with two in-form domestiques – while Nicolas Roche’s attentions will also turn to supporting Contador after the Giro – El Pistolero will be in a great position in July.

Add Rafal Majka’s performances at the Giro so far – where he sits third overall – and you have a team in top form.