Starting with a team time trial in Nimes, France, on Saturday August 19, the race features nine summit finishes, including the Alto Hoya de la Mora and Alto de l’Angliru, before concluding in Madrid on Sunday September 10.

And of his chances, Froome said he is relishing the opportunity. “The Vuelta is a race I love racing,” he told teamsky.com. “It’s a vicious race but it’s three weeks that I enjoy.

Also among the former winners set for the start line are three-time champion Alberto Contador, who is 7/1, and 2015 red jersey Fabio Aru, who can be backed at 20/1 after his Tour de France exploits.

Last year’s third-place finisher Johan Esteban Chaves is 25/1, as is his Orica-Scott team-mate Adam Yates, while Tour de France runner-up Rigoberto Uran and third-placed finisher Romain Bardet are 22/1 and 40/1 respectively with Bet365.