Team profile: Tinkoff-Saxo
Nationality: Russian
Track record: Few teams can hold a candle to the team's success over the years, in its various guises. Two overall wins, three other podium places, 20 stage wins and 36 days in the yellow jersey mean this year's team have a daunting reputation to live up to.
Leader: Having crossed the line first three times but seen his 2010 Tour victory wiped out by doping, Alberto Contador will be desperate to help the team keep up its winning habit with another Tour de France triumph.
Changes since 2013: Contador has lost the support of Roman Kreuziger after the star Czech rider's suspension following doping allegations he denies. The only other change sees Contador's countryman Benjamin Noval make way as Rafal Majka and Michael Morkov complete the line-up.
Target: Contador in the maillot jaune on the Champs Elysée. The Russian team has invested heavily to support the rejuvenated Spaniard with class and allow manager Bjarne Riis to take the race to Team Sky all the way to the finish.
Full nine: Alberto Contador (Spain), Daniele Bennati (Italy), Jesus Alberto Hernandez Blazquez (Spain), Rafal Majka (Poland), Michael Morkov (Denmark), Sergio Miguel Moreira Paulinho (Portgual), Nicolas Roche (Ireland), Michael Rogers (Australia), Matteo Tosatto (Italy).