The route has been made shorter than ever to discourage riders from doping. However, it looks like the last week with three alpine stages, and an individual time trial might be too tough for many ‘un-assisted’ riders, especially after the Pyrenees only one rest day beforehand.

The race starts in Luxembourg, takes in a bit of Germany and wanders off round France before finihing in Paris and the course seems to have a little bit for everyone. Armstrong, Ullrich and David Millar will enjoy the 3 individual time trials, while featherweights like Pantani and Virenque will love the multiple mountain stages.

Anyway, enough amateur road ruminating from us and we’ll hand you over to the professional peloton sniffers at www.cyclingnews.com.