Since the biggest sporting event in the world will be starting in six days (not to be confused with some people kicking an inflated pigs bladder about on the grass), here is totally non-definative summary of the top contenders to take the maillot jaune this year.

Ivan Basso (CSC)

Second place last year, the bookies favourite for this year, and one of the few who was close to Armstrong in the mountains. He also dominated this years Giro D’Italia with a number of stage wins. However, his time-trialling is not up with the best of them, and I don’t think he will be able to maintain form from the Giro (only 7 people have won both tours in the same year, the last being the late Pantani in 1998). Verdict: Second.

Jan Ulrich (T-Mobile)

The enternal runner up since taking the title in 1999 and he would have one several more if it had not been for Armstrong. This year he dropped out of the Giro but recently won the tour of Switzerland. A good time trialler but his technique of grinding huge gears makes it hard for him to match attacks on the climbs. He also has the unfortunate habit of relaxing a little too much over the winter and struggling for form in the early season. Verdict: Third. [Updated: Ullrich has been suspended by T-Mobile and will not compete]

Alejandro Valverde (Illes Balears)

He lead the young riders classification (and was high in the general classification) last year until forced to withdraw with a knee injury. He was Armstrongs equal in the mountains and took a stage win over the American. One of the most talented climbers at the moment and his time trialling is good as well, he also placed well on the harder stages and overall in the Giro. Verdict: First.

Alexandre Vinokourov (Astana-Wurth)

His place was almost uncertain when team sponsors Liberty Seguros pulled out following drug allegations against the team doctor. Equally capable in a sprint (winning the 2005 final stage), or in a mountain breakaway, he is one of the most aggressive riders in the tour. Probably too homocidal for overall victory but a good chance for a stage or two. Verdict: Fourth Third. [Updated: Astana-Wurth have been formally asked not to attend the tour]

I am hoping it will be a good race this year, certainly the lack of any one dominant figure should mean that it will take a few of the mountain stages to sort out the top three.

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