While most of the cycling world is firmly focused on Northern Europe, cobbles and Belgian hellingen, some of the world's strongest stage race riders and most formidable climbers prepare for six days of intense battles on the steep slopes in the Basque Country. Starting every day at 14.45, you can follow all the action live on CyclingQuotes.com.

The Tour of the Basque Country traditionally serves a dual purpose. On the one hand it is the perfect preparation for the Ardennes classics, on the other hand it is one of the most prestigious and most difficult stage races on the cycling calendar.

The start list reflects this dual nature. While riders like Philippe Gilbert, Simon Gerrans and Jelle Vanendert have travelled to Spain to fine-tune the condition ahead of the important battles later in the month in Belgium and the Netherlands, the race in the Basque Country is a major objective for stage race riders like Alberto Contador, Richie Porte, Tony Martin and Jean-Christophe Peraud.

Today' stage is the all-decisive 24km time trial which will determine the final general classification. It is not your typical route for the specialists in the race against the clock. On the contrary, the stage will take in much of yesterday's very difficult course, and the riders will have to tackle some very steep climbs, treacherous and wet descents and several very technical parts.

With his victory in yesterday's stage, Richie Porte enters the challenge as the big favourite to take out the overall victory. With Alberto Contador just 4 seconds behind, we face, however, another fantastic duel between the Saxo-Tinkoff captain and the mighty Sky team. And it will be interesting to see whether world time trial champion Tony Martin can bounce back from his crash and take a stage win on the final day of racing.

Starting at 15.25, you can follow all the action live here. Until then, you can prepare by reading or preview here.

CyclingQuotes' stage winner picks: Tony Martin and Richie Porte

Outsiders: Alberto Contador, Jean-Christophe Peraud, Andrew Talansky and Samuel Sanchez