Steve Cummings’ absence from the Tour start list is perhaps one of the most disappointing, in that it resulted from injury rather than loss of form or team selection.

The Wirral-born rider made a storming start to the season, relishing a change in management and focus at BMC Racing as he stormed to Tour Mediterranean success, hot on the heels of second at the Dubai Tour. Cummings told RCUK at the time he was prospering with a clear programme laid out for the season.

Such a programme included a Tour de France start, having missed last year’s race following his exertions in supporting Cadel Evans at the Giro d’Italia. The best laid plans, however…

Riding at the Baloise Belgium Tour, Cummings crashed on stage one after losing control of his bike as he disposed of a used bidon. The resulting fractured elbow means the hard work and good results of the early part of the season have come completely unstuck.

Where it leaves him remains to be seen, but with the 33-year-old having prospered during the early part of the season it can only be hoped he is given the same opportunities, and a greater dose of luck, next season.