Purito has been in the top three in the points classification in each of the last three years – missing out on the jersey by just seven and six points respectively in 2011 and 2012.

Several of the mountain stages seem perfectly suited to the Spaniard this time out, too, with the reigning world number one rider in his element on the steepest sections of some of the climbs in his home country.

Rodriguez used the Tour de France to ride himself back into form, showing in glimpses the sort of form which has marked him as a contender for the red jersey at the Vuelta.

His third place at the Clasica San Sebastian proved he is close to being back to his best too – and if he can repeat his form at the Vuelta there is no reason why he can not rack up the points on the summit finishes.

If he is in contention overall, however, winning points is likely to be secondary to marking his opponents.

Simply being at the front of the race on several stages has made him a green jersey contender in recent years, though, and he will likely be in contention again this year.