There is a lot of hype around this year's Vuelta a España. Perhaps understandably, given the amount of general classification that is stacked on the start list; those lining up in Barcelona on Saturday will include the three Grand Tour defending champions.
A relentlessly tough course - with no need to cater to those preparing for the World Championships - means it is a race for climbers, and the lineups prove that. There are nine summit finishes, with stage 13's Col du Tourmalet finale promising to be a spectacle, and only one individual race against the clock, as well as one team time trial.
