They took the yellow jersey two years in a row courtesy of first Bjarne Riis (1996) and Ullrich the second year.

BBC: Telekom

Contador has kept quiet in the lead up to the race, although he has been strongly linked with a possible move to the Caisse d'Epargne team but 1996 Tour winner Bjarne Riis is under no illusions about Contador's chances.

CNN: 'Nervous' Armstrong eyes eighth Tour success