Australia’s Adam Hansen (Lotto-Soudal) is taking part in his 13th grand Tour in succession and would beat the record streak of grand Tours completed he holds jointly with Spain’s Bernardo Ruiz should he make it all the way to Madrid. He told about his exceptional experience in three-week races.

“It was never the plan back in 2011 to do such a long streak of Tours," he said. "I wanted to do three in a year and I was happy with that race programme so I made it again the following year. It was not until I did seven that someone indicated that there was a streak of 12 and asked me if I was going for it. At the time I said no. I did not believe it was possible because of the chances of being selected, crashing, being ill or having a bad day. I only kept racing all the Tours because I enjoyed them so much.

“As time went on, I kept going with the same race programme and kept finishing them all. The closer I got to the streak, the more I wanted it. Would I be surprised if I crashed out? Of course not. I would just think it’s time and I had a very, very good run. But starting the Vuelta this year again is something I’m extremely excited about. The Vuelta is a very special race for me.

“They are quite different. The Giro has the hardest stage profiles, super long and difficult climbs. The weather can take a major toll. The Tour is the easiest from the three in regards to the profile. However the level is much higher at the Tour, every rider is on top form and this makes it a fast race.

“The Vuelta is mostly my favourite. It is the nicest one from the riders perspective. The crowds are real cycling fans and not super crazy like at the Tour. The weather is 99% always perfect. Stages are not stupidly long. Late start times, short transfers make it a pleasure to be part of this event. However, while some of the climbs might not be as long as the Giro, they can be super, super steep here in the Vuelta. But we are lucky they are mostly positioned at the end of the stage.”