24. Vuelta a Espana preview

August 19 | The latest Telegraph Cycling Podcast includes a preview of the third and final Grand Tour of the season, the Vuelta a Espana. Richard Moore and Daniel Friebe are joined by Rob Hatch of British Eurosport as they review the recent races and look at who might reign in Spain.

The Arctic Race of Norway – where Ireland’s Sam Bennett scored a memorable stage win – the Eneco Tour and Tour de l’Ain have all been held recently, with the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Colorado on this week. They reflect on the stage one victory by Taylor Phinney: his first win since a crash last year that threatened to end his career.

The Vuelta, which has become the most mountainous of the Grand Tours, features a strong field and it’s difficult to predict the outcome. While there were four outstanding favourites at the start of the Tour de France, on paper at least the Vuelta looks more open. The only star missing is defending champion Alberto Contador, but Tour champion Chris Froome is going for a rare double, with the runner-up Nairo Quintana also riding, as well as Vincenzo Nibali, Fabio Aru, Alejandro Valverde and Joaquim Rodriguez.