Last year’s world number one team Movistar started the new season as they ended the last – by winning races. Colombian climbing ace Nairo Quintana seized the first opportunity presented to show off what sort of shape his climbing legs are in, by winning the Tour de San Luis. The stage victory which sealed his overall title was won by more than 50 seconds – with only five riders finishing within two minutes of the diminutive master of the ascents. Two third places on the way to his overall victory point to very good form already, with the Tour de France runner-up targeting top spot on the Giro d’Italia podium in May.

Movistar’s other chief GC contender, Alejandro Valverde, has also kicked off 2014 in winning style. The 33-year-old logged the miles in Dubai and then seized his chance to shine at the Ruta del Sol. Having won the prologue by seven seconds, the Spaniard then took more time out of his rivals by escaping to victory from an elite leading group on the first two road stages. Richie Porte (Team Sky), Bauke Mollema (Belkin) and Michele Scarponi (Lampre-Merida) were among the big-name riders who had no answer to his stunning ascents, which bodes well for the Spaniard’s hopes of adding another major victory to his 2009 Vuelta a Espana win.