Contador ready to take on Froome

If last year's Tour de France often resembled a triumphant Chris Froome march to Paris, the road to the Champs Elysees may be more unpredictable this time; especially with Alberto Contador likely to be back in the hunt.

The Briton took control in the eighth stage in 2013 before trouncing his rivals in the mountains and the time trials as Spaniard Contador struggled to find the form that helped him win the race in 2007 and 2009.

Although Froome should receive unprecedented support as the Tour starts in Leeds - the second Grand Depart from Britain in eight years - that will count for little when the event enters France.