Tejay van Garderen has only been dropped by the favouties on two stages so far in the Tour de France: Mur de Huy and Mende. Much of that is down to his great resolve and improvement in the mountains, but also due to his helper Samuel Sanchez, who BMC almost didn’t re-sign for this year.

“I’m very motivated to help Tejay. The way he is riding, he has all the possibilities to reach the podium in Paris,” Sánchez told VeloNews. “I am giving everything to be there for him on the climbs as long as possible.”

Sanchez has been the American’s last man on the major climbs ahead of the likes of Damiano Caruso and Rohan Dennis. Van Garderen couldn’t praise the 37 year old enough for his calming influence.

“He’s definitely a very experienced captain. He always keeps me calm, and having him there as the last guy on the climb is a good safety net,” van Garderen said. “In case I come into troubles, he can pace me, or if I have a bit of bad luck, he can give me a wheel, or do whatever he can.”

“If I need a last-minute gel, he’s there to give it to me, or if I fall off the pace, he can pace me to the top, or I have a mechanical, he’s there to help,” van Garderen said. “It’s a huge benefit to have someone there in the mountains.”

Even BMC manager Jim Ochowicz has noted how well the veteran former Polka Dot Jersey winner has been performing in the race.

“He leads by example. He’s steady; he doesn’t over-react. He keeps things on an even keel,” BMC Racing manager Jim Ochowicz told VeloNews. “For us, it’s important to have an elder statesman on the team, and he’s been our guy. When we need him, he’s there.”

Sanchez, 2008 Beijing Olympics Gold medallist in the road race, says he hasn’t decided yet if he will remain racing in 2016.

“I have not yet decided about my future, on whether or not I want to race next year. It would be nice to return to the Olympics, but I am holding off that decision until this Tour is over,” Sánchez said. “Right now, I am only thinking about the Tour.”