The merger of the Leopard Trek and RadioShack squads has led to the formation of a super group of sorts, and the main players from each side – Andy and Fränk Schleck, Fabian Cancellara, Andreas Klöden and Chris Horner – sang from the same song sheet under the watchful gaze of the svengali Bruyneel.

After experiencing first hand the creative differences of Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong at the 2009 Tour de France, Bruyneel is aware of the need for harmony in a team filled with potential front men.

“It’s always a challenge,” he said. “Sometimes managing egos can be difficult but at the end of the day the team’s goal is the most important. So when you have two riders who are contenders, one will know if the other is better, and I also have the experience to recognise that.”