Onley, a calm and unflustered character when interviewed, and his team say they have not changed the goal for the race.

The main target is to win a stage, rather than go for a top-10 finish as an end in itself. Feet remain firmly on the ground, or rather the pedals.

Competing over three weeks in the biggest race of them all is a different beast from the one-week races in which Onley has shown he can compete at the top of the general classification.

Nevertheless, he has form in his legs and a fearlessness needed amidst the madness of the Tour.

The long-term goal is to be a serious contender to win the Grand Tours, whether in France, Italy or Spain.

“That’s the pinnacle, really,” Onley said. “It’s a plan we have as a team.

“Just now, it’s difficult to say how far I can take that, because I’ve never tried it before. That’s the goal, though.”

In the short term, Onley will aim to keep making a name for himself on the biggest stage in cycling.