World number one for the last two years – and three times in the last four – Joaquim Rodriguez has proved time and again he is among the best climbers in the WorldTour peloton. Yet he still does not boast a prized Grand Tour victory on his palmares. A couple of near-misses and podium places – tremendous achievements, unless you share Rodriguez’ competitive spirit – are ‘all’ Purito has as he bids to shake his reputation of being a perennial ‘nearly’ man.

But once again, Rodriguez has proved himself against phenomenal opposition. Last year he kicked off his season by beating Chris Froome on Green Mountain and then bettered the Team Sky leader, Vincenzo Nibali and Alberto Contador to earn stage victory at Tirreno-Adriatico.

This year, in his first big test against what will be his main rivals for Grand Tour honours this year, he has bettered them again. With no time trial in this year’s Volta, if Rodriguez can replicate his form – with loyal lieutenant Dani Moreno at his side again – on Vallter 2000, overall victory will be in his grasp. And maybe, just maybe, it will be a sign of things to come at the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana.