Tom-Jelte Slagter (Garmin-Sharp)

Having kicked off 2013 with victory in the Tour Down Under, much was expected of young Dutchman Tom-Jelte Slagter but his season fell away after alleged contract disputes with his former team, Belkin. A move to Garmin-Sharp has offered the 24-year-old the chance of a new start however, and with an ever-improving crop of young riders around him his prospects look good heading into the new year.

Slagter followed his early-season success last year with more encouraging displays, not least his second place in the youth classification at Tirreno-Adriatico. Though his season faded after he missed selection for the Tour de France, he ended on a high too. He won topped the King of the Mountains classification at the 2.1-classified Tour of Alberta and continued his good form in Canada with seventh place at the GP de Quebec.

Comfortable as a climber, and capable of competing for GC success Slagter is likely to be a key support rider for Dan Martin next season but has proved he can compete for individual success too.