El Pistolero’s scintillating form on the WorldTour so far this season means he is flying high at the top of the UCI world rankings and is more than capable of continuing such form in the Basque Country. First at Tirreno-Adriatico and second in Catalonia, Contador has shown signs of returning to his very best form and will be keen to add to his two Vuelta Ciclista al Pais Vasco titles.

Expect fireworks from him on each of the late climbs, as he displayed so well at the Volta a Catalunya. With Roman Kreuziger by his side, Tinkoff-Saxo have already proved how they can use their two top climbers to great effect – Kreuziger instigating attacks and Contador counter-punching when necessary. Kreuziger is also more-than capable of challenging overall. The only slight cause for concern for Contador will be the time trial. His time in this race last year cost him a podium spot, while at Tirreno-Adriatico he failed to make a major impact – though, in fairness, he had already tied up the blue jersey.