Compiled by SHANE STOKES

BRADLEY WIGGINS

The Team Sky rider is aiming to become the first British winner of the Tour. Fourth overall in the 2009 Tour and then third in last year’s Vuelta a España, this season has been an impressive one for the 32-year-old. Wiggins has already taken Paris-Nice, the Tour de Romandie and the Critérium du Dauphiné this year, showing he is at a new level. The biggest question is can he hold that form, and complete an unexpected transformation from Olympic track gold medallist to Tour winner.

CADEL EVANS

Evans, of the BMC Racing Team, became one of the oldest winners ever last year when, at 34 , he topped the podium after twice finishing second. He’s had a quieter season, but his win in the Critérium International race and third place in June’s Critérium du Dauphiné,plus his solid time trial ability means he could win.

RYDER HESJEDAL

The 31-year-old Canadian is one of approximately 10 others who slot in behind Wiggins and Evans in the favourites’ list. He took his first Grand Tour victory in June when he won the Giro d’Italia, showing better climbing form than ever before. Although the arduous Giro/Tour double hasn’t been achieved since the late Marco Pantani won both 14 years ago, Hesjedal is talking up his chances.

He’s a team-mate of Dan Martin on the Garmin-Sharp squad.