Daniel Martin, who did some great performances at the Volta a Catalunya in the past (winner of the 2013 edition, 2nd in 2009 and 2011, 4th in 2012), explained that he will not in great condition to fight for the overall classification. Indeed, he does not know if he is in his real level because he was ill these last days. He missed Tirreno-Adriatico.

"It’s nice to be back racing, I had a bit of a break after Oman, I got sick in Oman and it lingered for a bit, so I didn’t feel up to Tirreno and it worked out because there were no mountains there this year," the Etixx-Quick Step rider explained before the today's stage according Cyclingnews.  "But I’m happy to be back at this race, because obviously it’s been kind to me in the past."

"I’m far from being the favourite in this year’s Volta a Catalunya, I really don’t know what my form is obviously you can train as hard as you like but racing’s different. "It hurts the legs but it’s a different kind of hurt because of the change of rhythm. We’ll see how it goes, I’m enjoying this, which is what is important."

The riders that are expected to battle for the overall victory will probably have to wait for today’s first mountaintop finish before making their first moves. The peloton will leave Girona to join La Molina. After three climbs, the best riders will play for the win on final climb. This climb is 11.1km long with an average gradient of 4.5% and maximum ramps 8% but it is uphill for a little bit longer. The final climb is a bit deceptive as the top actually comes with 3km to go. Then next 1000m are slightly downhill before the road again kicks up for the final 2km, with the final kilometre averaging 7%.