Introduction to the 2013 Tour de France

This should make it easier for everyone to get a general idea of the teams and their strength, without needing to pad the main text with word count. There are simply too many riders for Old Ye to look up all their individual profiles.

Team Sky was founded in 2009. Its strength in 2013 was roughly comparable to Chelsea during Mourinho's first spell.

Bradley Wiggins: two Olympic gold medals, one World Athletics Championships title and two runner-up finishes, one World Cup title, two runner-up finishes, and two team time trial runner-up finishes; 2012 Tour de France champion.

Chris Froome: born in Kenya and raised in South Africa, he obtained British nationality through his grandfather's nationality. He was immensely strong, and Team Sky happened to be preparing to heavily promote British riders. He was the biggest favorite for the 2013 Tour de France and finished second last year.

Geraint Thomas: British, Olympic team pursuit champion, two-time World Athletics Championships team pursuit champion, and two-time British national champion.

Peter Kennaugh: British national champion.

Main sponsor: Sky Sports.

Race bikes: Pinarello, a top Italian bicycle manufacturer headquartered in Veneto.

Cannondale Gas of Italy was founded in 1999 and had more Giro d'Italia champions than Tour de France champions.

Star riders:

Peter Sagan: the team's lead sprinter. His cheerful, quirky personality and genuine ability made him popular with sponsors and fans alike, and he often stole the spotlight. By the time he retired, he was the king of the Tour de France green jersey, which spoke for his sprinting prowess.

Alan Marangoni: Italian rider, a long-serving domestique with extensive experience. His entire career had been spent supporting team leaders.

Fabio Sabatini: Italian rider, one of the domestiques.

Team manager: Roberto Amadio.

Main sponsor: Cannondale Gas.

Race bikes: Cannondale, an expensive American bicycle manufacturer.