Sir Dave Brailsford says none of the big favourites for the Vuelta a Espana have proved they are in top shape. Alberto Contador won the Vuelta a Burgos against a poor field, Nairo Quintana hasn’t raced since coming a disappointing third in the Tour and Chris Froome was 12th and 3rd in the two Olympic events he did post Tour de France.

Brailsford told Sky Sports News HQ: "What happens in the Tour of Spain is quite interesting, because you are never quite sure of form and fatigue through the season, so you are not quite sure of the level of everybody.”

Brailford went on to detail the issues perhaps facing the three big contenders for the season’s final Grand Tour.

“Contador came out of the Tour early. He had his injury, he has freshened up, he has trained specifically for the Tour of Spain. Chris went from riding the Tour, all the way to the very end, Olympics and now the Vuelta, so there will be a bit of fatigue in there. Quintana didn't perform to the level expected. His form wasn't where it was meant to be in the Tour, and the question for us is, what has he done in the interim? Has he come back, has he freshened up, is he ready to go?”

Brailsford says it is this level of uncertainty that makes the Vuelta a Espana thrilling every single season.

“There's a big question mark, which is what makes it exciting. We're all set to go again and looking forward to it."