The Slovenian star triumphed in 2020 and 2021 and is now looking to finish the 21-stage event wearing the yellow jersey again.

Danish capital Copenhagen is poised to stage the Grand Départ with Pogačar among those ready to begin the prestigious race with a individual time trial.

"I’m excited to start the Tour again," said Pogačar, racing for UAE Team Emirates.

"Like at any other race I want to do my best.

"This is the biggest race of the calendar, I’m happy to be at the start to fight for the title.

"The preparation went well with an altitude training camp and the Tour of Slovenia.

"I think my shape is good, not too much different compared to last year."

The opening three stages are due to be held in Denmark - the northmost host of the Grand Départ in the Tour de France’s long history.

Pogačar admits the Danish course presents many challenges with crosswinds expected to cause riders’ problems heading over the Great Belt Bridge during stage two on Saturday (July 2).

"There will be difficult moments but I hope that I won’t have a bad day," said Pogačar.

"There’s a tricky first week with possible crosswinds on the flat, bridges and cobbles.

"If we manage to remain united as a team, we don’t need to ride aggressively, we just have to fight for positions.

"We’re ready for that so we shouldn’t be worried.

"Looking at the weather forecast, we have decided that I’d be the third rider from the team to start. This is the most comfortable way.

"I don’t think I can win it but I’ll give the maximum and I can go well.

"It’s not too long.

"As soon as there’s a chance to take the yellow jersey, everyone likes to that, myself included.

"You never say no to the yellow jersey."

The UAE Team Emirates’ preparations have been disrupted by COVID-19 with Italy’s Matteo Trentin forced to pull out yesterday after testing positive for the virus.

Switzerland’s Marc Hirschi has been drafted in as Trentin’s replacement.

COVID-19 has also impacted Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl, with Belgium’s Tim Declerq withdrawing after contracting the virus.

The positive coronavirus cases come just days after the International Cycling Union updated its COVID-19 protocol in response to outbreaks at the recent Tour de Suisse.

The build-up for Bahrain Victorious has also been turbulent after riders and staff were raided by police for the second time in a week.

The raids are said to be linked to a preliminary investigation launched by French prosecutors at last year’s Tour de France into doping allegations against Bahrain Victorious.

Among the challengers to Pogačar’s yellow jersey bid is home favourite Jonas Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma.

Vingegaard, who finished second last year, was unable to hold back the tears when he attended yesterday’s team presentation at a packed-out Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen.

"I had hoped that many people would come and that it would be great, but this reception was crazy and amazing," Vingegaard told TV2.

"I was completely moved."

An individual time trial measuring 13.2 kilometres in Copenhagen is due to start the Tour de France tomorrow, followed by a 202.5km ride from Roskilde to Nyborg incorporating the 18km Great Belt Bridge.

The 182km third stage goes from Veijl to Sønderborg.