The course
As with last year’s edition, the Volta kicks off with a punchy circuit in and around Calella. Sir Bradley Wiggins attacked on the descent of the Collsacreu to create a split in the bunch, with Nairo Quintana (Movistar) among the riders to lose time.
Though there will be opportunity to make up for lost time, riders will have to be wary of a similar attack this time out, while the category ascent of the Montseny at the start of the final 50 kilmetres could also account for some early GC losses.
Stage two to Girona features two uncategorised climbs which could prompt some late attacks before stage three is set to see the first big gaps form in the GC.
En route from Banyoles to La Molina, the short category one ascent of the Alt de Coubet must be tackled before the hors categorie climb of the Alt de la Creueta.
After a technical descent, the riders then climb back up La Molina for a summit finish atop the category one ascent.
Stage four is similarly testing, where Nairo Quintana (Movistar) will be keen to prove himself up to Vallter 2000 again, with ramps touching 15 per cent in parts as they head to the mountain-top finish.
The route has more intermediate climbs than the stage won last year by Quintana with three category one ascents, and one category two, before the hors categorie finale.
Anybody still in contention for the overall prize will then have chance to extend the lead on stage five, a punchy route but one with just a single categorised climb, which peaks within ten kilometres of the finish line.
A sprint finish is likely on stage six, before the race concludes with a circuit into Barcelona, with eight ascents of the Alt de Montjuic on the finishing circuit.
