How life changes. Decades of following cycling and in that time there were a handful of UK cyclists who participated, let alone win even a stage sprint.

So now 2013, the favourite rider is Sir Brad, winner of the first stage is Mr Cavendish and there are at least 10 riders from the UK taking part.

Worth watching, it is closing in on the Tour de France. The Vuelta Espana on the other hand is a waste of time.