The Briton has won the last two editions of the race, but is expected to face his greatest challenge after mixed success so far this season.

His former team-mate Richie Porte is tipped as one of Froome’s key rivals for the race, having impressed in recent races.

Colombia’s Nario Quintana and Italy’s Fabio Aru will expect to feature heavily at the front of the race as the second Grand Tour of the season develops.

Quintana, as well as France’s Thibaut Pinot, could feel the effects of competing at the Giro d’Italia earlier this year, while some of their rivals will head into the event fresher.

This year’s race is posed to begin with a 14 kilometre time trial in Dusseldorf, which will decided the first yellow jersey of the race.

The event features less summit finishes than in recent editions, with only three stages finishing with a direct climb.

While challenging the general classification contenders, it also opens up opportunities for sprinters to secure stage victories.

Slovakia’s world champion Peter Sagan will aim to earn stage wins, as he hopes to claim a record sixth green jersey at the race.

Britain’s Mark Cavendish and Germany’s Marcel Kittel will hope to provide competition during sprint stages at the race.

The former has recently recovered from illness and will aim to close on Eddy Merckx record number of stage wins at the race.

Racing will draw to a conclusion will the traditional sprint stage at the Champs Elysees in Paris on July 23.