The current World Champion Rui Costa has received an early opportunity to present his rainbow jersey in front of home supporters, as he leads Lampre-Merida squad at the Volta ao Algarve held in Portugal from 19 to 23 February. Being questioned during a meeting with press on the eve of the event, the 27-year old Portuguese emphasized his excitement to shine in his world champion’s outfit on his home ground, but also stated that he doesn’t consider himself a favorite to take a final crown.

"My dream is to enjoy this world champion's jersey, and especially here in Portugal," Costa said.

"It gives me real joy, especially because so many of my supporters are here in Portugal. I am always keen to come to the Tour of the Algarve."

During the yesterday’s press conference, the Volta ao Algarve race director was understandably keen to present Costa as a strong candidate to take a final victory in the five-day stage race, suggesting that the Portuguese World Champion is very likely to swap his rainbow jersey for the yellow one of the Algarve leader.

Costa, however, quickly played down his own chances, even though he kicked off the 2014 season with very decent performances in Dubai Tour and even in more demanding Trofeo Serra de Tramuntana and Trofeo Platja de Muro, as he finished those races respectively 15th, 20th and 18th. Instead of boosting his own morale ahead of the event held on his home soil, the Lampre-Merida rider suggested that some other contenders have greater chances to shine during the five-day affair in the western part of Iberian peninsula, particularly pointing out to most recent winners of the Volta ao Algarve Tony Martin (2013, 2011) and Alberto Contador (2010, 2009), as well as last year’s runner-up Michał Kwiatkowski showing some splendid form in the beginning of 2014 season.

"Having done some other races, I can say that there are some riders who are a step above me. One is Kwiatkowski, who won a stage in Majorca. Others are looking very strong, too, like Tony Martin and Contador, who despite it being his first race of the season will certainly want to win."

Costa stated that the route of Volta ao Algarve 2014 suits him better than the previous one, as a time trial has been significantly shortened from 34.8 to just 13.6km, but still the 27-year old Portuguese claims to remain below his optimal disposition as the first major challenge of this season arrives in two weeks with his planned participation in the Paris-Nice.

"But it is very important for us to be in good shape here in the Algarve with a view to what lies ahead," he said.

Asked about his aspirations regarding his major goal for 2014 season, particularly the Tour the France, Costa answered in the same tone suggesting that he, neither his team, don’t expect him to finish the French grand tour race on a podium.

"They are not putting any pressure on anyone. They know what I aspire to and perhaps because of that, they are not pushing me," he said.

"It will be a different Tour as it will be the first time that I will lead a team in that race. That's why I can only say that we will see how it goes."

All those statements should be considered rather as a proof of a modesty than avoiding bigger pressure from Costa, as the Portuguese has finished the first stage of Volta ao Algarve a runner-up behind his team-mate Sacha Modolo…