The defending champion kickstarted his Ardennes Classics campaign with second place at the Amstel Gold Race and has been in good form of late after three stage wins helped him take second place overall at the Tour of the Basque Country.

Last year’s world number one will not be fazed by the addition of the extra climb – and if anything it could play into his hands, given he climbs better than the likes of Gilbert.

If Movistar can keep the race together until the foot of the Mur, and stop any dangerous attacks going clear, then Valverde will be among the favourites to blast up the final climb to victory.

Do not be surprised, though, to see the Spanish team attack on two fronts – Nairo Quintana is far too dangerous a rider to be allowed the freedom to attack but he is more than capable of causing a stir if he accelerates off the front.

With Imanol Erviti, Gorka Izagirre and Jose Joaquin Rojas all in their ranks for Wednesday’s race, the Spanish side are not light on quality.

Well-suited to the Classics, Valverde wanted victory at the Amstel Gold Race and he will be doubly keen to avoid another second-place finish this time out.