Considered by many to be cycling’s toughest climb alongside the Monte Zoncolan in Italy, the Angliru makes a comeback in the Vuelta a España after two years’ absence. On the previous two occasions when Angliru was on the Vuelta itinerary, it played a crucial role as the deciding factor in the race.

This year, according to Joaquím Rodriguez (Katusha), will be no different as the Angliru will be the Vuelta’s last of eleven uphill finishes.

“Constancy will be the key to winning, but I think the Vuelta will remain undecided until the Angliru,” Rodriguez explained in an interview Spanish newspaper El Mundo. “The race will be very exciting as a result, and that can only be good for the Vuelta.”

“After that I will go for it in the World’s, which is a tough circuit and I think very good for me.”

He denies, though, that being a top favourite in his home race means more pressure for him. “The years go by but I am getting better at taking responsibility,” he told El Mundo. “I’m in good shape technically and physically and above all I’ve got a great deal of support from my team.”

Nevertheless, after deciding on the Tour rather than the Giro in the current season, Rodriguez acknowledged that he is mindful of the wear and tear of the Tour.

“My build-up has been different to 2012. I took a few days off after the Tour because I was very tired. All of the rest I’ve had subsequently, though, hasn’t felt like it’s been enough.”

The example of Chris Froome (Sky), who finished as runner-up in last year’s Tour before straining to finish fourth in the Vuelta as fatigue set in, cannot be encouraging, either.

In another part of the extensive interview, Rodríguez also refused to accept the notion that Chris Froome’s imposing 2013 season will by design translate into extended superiority in 2014 and beyond.

“He’s demonstrated that he’s the strongest, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to go on winning. There are young, strong riders like Nairo Quintana (Movistar) and riders like Alberto Contador (Saxo-Tinkoff) who still have a lot to say. As I said, every year it gets harder to win - just ask Wiggins (Sky). Last season he looked like he was going to dominate the sport.”