El Pistolero has been in phenomenal form this season. The Spaniard’s victory at Tirreno-Adriatico was as comprehensive as any and a throwback to his dominant form in Grand Tours of years gone.

And the Tinkoff-Saxo man has gone from strength-to-strength since. In his current form, he appears unstoppable – though Joaquim Rodriguez would beg to differ. Only the defending world number one has beaten him overall in a WorldTour race this season.

Contador’s victories have not only been a sign of his return to form, but the nature of them have been hugely impressive. He has repeatedly found another level which rivals including Nairo Quintana, Chris Froome and now Alejandro Valverde have been simply unable to match.

There is plenty of time between now and the Tour de France for the likes of Valverde and Froome to find their top form, but, as it stand, Contador is the man to beat so far in 2014.