The 28-year-old was brought to the team, initially with the sole purpose of being Lance Armstrong's trusted lieutenant in the mountains.

He promptly did his task and finished 15th overall for his efforts in 2001.

The former Kelme rider looks to have progressed still further this season and had the perfect preparation for the Tour with an impressive performance in the Tour of Catalunya.

He held off the predominantly Spanish threat to take the overall victory.

The King of the Mountains jersey remains an attainable target for Heras in Le Tour and a top-10 finish.

And later in the year, he still has the target of La Vuelta, a race he has won before.