Oleg Tinkov has announced the Tinkoff-Saxo squad for the Tour de France on Twitter. As expected Alberto Contador will be supported by a formidable squad and can count on support from Nicholas Roche, Michael Roche, Jesus Hernandez, Rafal Majka and Sergio Paulinho in the mountains while Michael Mørkøv and veterans Matteo Tosatto and Daniele Bennati will be on hand in the flat stages.

The team hasn't made an official announcement yet but Tinkoff-Saxo owner Oleg Tinkov has neve been one to follow the official procedures. The Russian has used his Twitter account to make the names of the riders known.

If the team confirms the information, Alberto Contador can be expected to be surrounded by a formidable team that is able to shine in every terrain. The team, however, is of course tainted by the omission of Roman Kreuziger who has been removed from the roster due to his blood passport case that has seen his team put him on inactive status.

Contador can still count on two riders who have finished in the top 10 in grand tours themselves, Nicholas Roche and Michael Rogers. Both showed great condition in the recent Route du Sud where they finished 1st and 3rd overall respectively. Contador's close friend Jesus Hernandez will also be on hand in the high mountains while another trusted rider, Sergio Paulinho, will support the captain in the hilly terrain.

Rafal Majka will take Kreuziger's spot after the Pole had initially criticized his management heavily for the decision, the youngster claiming that it was too early for him to do two grand tours in a row. Since then he has retracted his comments and now says that he is looking forward to the challenge. It remains to be seen what kind of condition he has after the late change of his schedule.

For the flat stages - especially the feared stage over the cobbles - Contador will be backed by a massive amount of experience. Matteo Tosatto will be lining of for his 29th grand tour while fellow Italian Daniele Bennati will take on his 17th three-week race. Finally, Michael Mørkøv will be the only Dane on Bjarne Riis' team while there was no room for Tour de Luxembourg winner Matti Breschel.

Tinkoff-Saxo for the Tour de France:

Alberto Contador, Rafal Majka, Nicolas Roche, Michael Rogers, Matteo Tosatto, Daniele Bennati, Jesus Hernandez, Sergio Paulinho and Michael Mørkøv