1999: Four to watch

Bobby Julich

A strong time trialist and climber, who recorded the best American result since Greg LeMond's victory in 1990 by finishing third last year. The highly-motivated 27-year-old has targeted the 1999 Tour to the exclusion of everything else, and is a definite contender provided he can ride more aggressively than he did 12 months ago.

Alex Zuelle

Twice winner of the Tour of Spain, the myopic Swiss rider is capable of both racing well against the clock and over the high climbs of Alps and Pyrenees. Implicated in the Festina scandal last year and banned for six months after admitting the use of EPO, his lack of racing may tell when the going gets tough.

Lance Armstrong

The most inspiring character in the Tour. Winner of the World Championships at just 21, the American has made a spectacular comeback to the sport after suffering testicular cancer which spread to his stomach, lungs and brain. Last season Armstrong (28) was placed fourth in both the Tour of Spain and the World Championships.

Michel Boogerd

Finished 31st in 1996, 16th in 1997 and fifth last year: his is an upward progression which the Dutch hope will lead the 27-year-old to become the first winner from the Netherlands since Joop Zoetemelk in 1980. A strong climber and capable time-trialist, he won the Paris-Nice and Amstel Gold races this year.