Chris Froome, Nairo Quitana and Richie Porte are well fancied for the Tour de France yellow jersey this year, but Warren Barguil is backing home hope Romain Bardet to claim a shock triumph.

Froome is going in search of a record-equalling fifth Tour title in 2018, while victory for Quintana would see him join the Briton in winning the triple crown.

However, Barguil believes there could be a shock in the upcoming three weeks, and believes a number of surprise names could be in contention for the crown, including AG2R La Mondiale rider Bardet.

Speaking at his pre-race media conference, the Fortuneo–Samsic rider said: "My bet for the GC podium? There might be a surprise with Primoz Roglic, then Rigoberto Uran and Romain Bardet, I hope!

"And I forgot [Vincenzo] Nibali too!"

But the 26-year-old does not expect to be challenging for yellow himself after 21 gruelling stages.

"I'm not running for the general classification," he added. "I'm aiming at a stage win in the mountains, so I'll have to be patient during the first week"