World champion Rui Costa is yet to break his duck in the rainbow jersey – finishing second on five stages already this season. But his form has nevertheless impressive – third overall at the Volta ao Algarve, Costa then finished second at Paris-Nice and enters the Itzulia after three weeks off to recuperate. The undulating nature of the stages suit Costa’s attacking instinct, even if the rainbow stripes on his back make him a marked man.

Capable of sticking with the leading riders on any difficult climbs, Costa has already been perennially at the sharp end of races this season. And it can only be a matter of time, you would think, before he does seal a stage victory. His two time trial efforts this season – in the jersey of Portuguese national champion – have been solid but unspectacular. But it is enough to know if he is still in contention come the final stage, he will be a rider to look out for against the clock.