Denmark's Jonas Vingegaard declared himself stronger than ever on Friday, as he prepares to challenge reigning champion Tadej Pogacar for the Tour de France title when the 112th edition begins in Lille on Saturday.

A fourth Tour win will draw Pogačar level with British rider Chris Froome for the fifth-most wins of all time. Merckx, Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain have won cycling’s biggest race five times. Pogačar’s team is formidable. He will be supported by experienced all-rounders and climbers.

Jonas Vingegaard (Visma-Lease a Bike) will once again be his main rival, with the pair winning the past five yellow jerseys between them, and it's set to be 21 stages of ferocious uphill attacking, mind games and a lot of respect on the road.