The favourite for the red jersey, Nairo Quintana is certainly going to be among the riders picking up points in the mountains.

With eight summit finishes to contend with, the Colombian climbing ace will renew his battles with Rigoberto Uran, Joaquim Rodriguez et al as he looks to follow up his Giro d’Italia victory in Spain.

But what of his green jersey chances? Quintana’s team-mate, Valverde, is favourite for the prize and the team certainly know how to win the jersey.

Quintana will pick up points on the mountainous stages too – but it could be the other stages on which he falls down, stages he was happy to finish in the belly of the peloton during the Giro.

Nevertheless, if the stage wins start mounting up he will pick up points accordingly – and the winner of the Vuelta has been in the top three for points in nine of the last ten editions.

There is no reason why that could not be the top one this time out.