The contenders – Carlos Betancur (Ag2r-La Mondiale)

Having won Paris-Nice, the next step in Carlos Betancur’s preparations for the Tour de France is the Volta. His victory in France came on a route devoid of any big summit finishes, with his attacking rides on back-to-back stages the key to his success. But the Colombian climbing ace has already proved he can handle the roads when they head skywards with a fantastic performance at last year’s Giro d’Italia, scooping the white jersey of best young rider in the process.

As with Paris-Nice, Betancur arrives with a strong support squad too – Romain Bardet finished the ‘Race to the Sun’ in good form despite losing time early on in a crash, while Domenico Pozzovivo gives an alternative option should Betancur finds the ramps too much. The French team were in top form at Paris-Nice and put on a good showing at Tirreno too, proving they are coming of age. A Grand Tour win may be beyond them at present, but victory in Catalonia would certainly that perception.