Interviewed by Cyclingnews, Cadel Evans, the former Tour de France winner, told about the "Big Four". Nairo Quintana, Chris Froome, Vincenzo Nibali et Alberto Contador will be the main contenders for the yellow jersey. About the Tinkoff-Saxo rider, the Australian thinks that he was not at the top shape after a strong Giro d'Italia.

"The biggest and most experienced of Grand Tour riders who has not just won all the Grand Tours, but on numerous occasions", he explained. For Evans, his mental edge is one of his greatest characteristics. "Whenever he is in a challenging situation he can control and handle himself. He is more mature, but Iím not sure he is physically better. He is very smart and level headed."

The main challenge for the Spaniard this season is to win the Giro d'Italia, what he did a few weeks ago, and the Tour de France. The last cyclist to do the double was Marco Pantani. The Italian did it in 1998. "If anyone in this day and age can win the Giro and Tour its Alberto Contador. But if he starts well and then suddenly drops of half way I will not be surprised. Still, he will have a better team at the Tour [than at the Giro]. They will have been saving their ammunition for the Tour. Itís the most important race for them. Astana may be better, but Tinkoff will be more experienced. That can be important."

The 32 year-old rider has currently 44 race days. He won the Giro d'Italia. He finished also 2nd overall in the Ruta del Sol, 4th overall in the Volta a Catalunya and 5th overall in the Tirreno-Adriatico.