There are a number of other riders set for an exit from their respective teams, who are likely to be in high demand.

As we’ve already covered, Rigoberto Uran (Etixx-QuickStep) is no longer seen as a big GC hope by Patrick Lefevere, though that again could be a tactic by the Etixx boss to drive the Colombian’s price down in a contract renewal.

Jurgen van den Broeck (Lotto-Soudal) is another man with Grand Tour pedigree and high overall placings touting for a new contract. With Lotto-Soudal successfully building their Tour de France team around Andre Greipel and sprint opportunities, van den Broeck is on his way out.

Experience, too, is on offer if you know where to look – Sylvain Chavanel (IAM Cycling), 36, was literally showcasing himself when he attacked the bunch on the Champs-Elysees, for example. Chavanel won’t be staying with the Swiss team, expressing his surprise at not even being offered a basic contract as opposed to his current lucrative one.

John Gadret (Movistar), 36, is another experienced rider out of contract – the Movistar domestique has been there, done that and, don’t forget, boasts a Giro d’Italia podium place to his name.