In an interview with L’Equipe, Eddy Merckx has made ​​some controversial statements. The five-time Tour de France winner has no doubt about who’s going to win the 2016 edition of the world’s biggest race. "Actually, Chris Froome hasn’t realy got any rivals."

“Of course he’s going to win it again,” the Belgian added. “If it’s not him, then who else?  It won’t be Quintana who will worry him, because he’s too limited in time trials. Quintana climbs well, but he’s a bit weighed down, too cautious. Waiting for the penultimate day and Alpe d’Huez [in this year’s Tour] to attack Froome revealed a lack of calibre.

“As for the others: Nibali won’t be there, Contador will be another year older, Aru I don’t really know… No, on paper, Froome hasn’t really got any rivals.”

Merckx also lamented the lack of a Belgian contender and praised world champion Peter Sagan.

“There’s [Greg] Van Avermaet, [Philippe] Gilbert… both good riders, but I don’t really identify with them. I prefer Nibali, Sagan. Especially Sagan.

“I love his style, he’s a fighter, a warrior, someone who attacks from a long way out and forces movement. And I love his extrovert personality. Sagan gives cycling some colour with his declarations.”