Sergio Henao has forgone the chance to win stages at the Vuelta a Espana as he is confident he can be up there in the final of stages to help Sky teammate Chris Froome win the overall. however, he is one of a few plan Bs Sky have at the race.

“I want to be as close as possible to Froome. He’s in good shape, he’s recovered well from the Tour and for me it’s about giving as much as I can for the team, and helping him to win the Vuelta," said Henao, according to Biciciclismo. 

"The team orders are not to lose time. If Froome falters, Mikel [Nieve] or [Nicolas] Roche are very good if he finds himself in trouble. The responsibility falls on us all.”

The 27 year old has crashed in the race, but is only 20 odd seconds behind Froome. He says he has to take his first Grand Tour since 2013 day by day due to his lack of racing, but says he is feeling good.

“I have raced and done well in week-long stage races like the Tour de Suisse. Now I’m back in a three-week race, I’m taking it day by day and I hope to do well," said Henao.