Tour de France 2013: Assessing Favorites Through First Three Stages

It's still very early in the 2013 Tour de France, but some of the favorites this year have already given us glimpses of what they can do.

One of the favorites excelled on the final climb of Stage 2, while another has bounced back after getting involved in a massive crash to start the historic race. And don't forget about a dangerous veteran who is making his second career appearance in the Tour de France.

Here's a look at how the top favorites in the 2013 Tour de France have fared so far as we look ahead to Stage 4 of the race on Tuesday.

Joaquim Rodriguez

Through the first three stages, Joaquim Rodriguez is in 28th place, one second behind the leader. The 34-year-old is doing what he has to, staying in contention early before he attempts to go for the title down the stretch.

Rodriguez ranked first in the UCI World Tour last year, capturing La Fleche Wallonne and Giro di Lombardia. More importantly, he placed second and third in the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a Espana, respectively.

Big things are expected out of Rodriguez this year, who placed seventh in his only appearance in the Tour de France in 2010.

Alberto Contador

Two-time champion Alberto Contador suffered injuries to both shoulders, a sore right knee and a gnarly cut on his left elbow in the first stage, but the 30-year-old Spaniard has been able to regain his balance in the last two stages of the 2013 Tour de France.

Contador finished well on Sunday. He currently finds himself in 60th place, one second behind current leader Jan Bakelants. Fortunately for the well-respected rider, he's still in the hunt for the title, as the crash happened early in the historic race.

Chris Froome

Chris Froome is in 15th place through three stages and gaining. After a monumental finish on the final climb of the second stage on Sunday, Froome made sure to stay with the pack on Monday, gaining three places in the process.

The 28-year-old has already had a big year, winning the Tour of Oman, Criterium International, Tour de Romandie and Criterium du Dauphine. Last year, he finished second in the Tour de France and fourth in the Vuelta a Espana. And he continues to show why he was the favorite coming into the 2013 Tour de France.