At this year’s Vuelta all eyes are currently on young Spanish sensation Oscar Seville, who leads the overall classification. The Kelme team leader won the exact stage last year and will certainly want to add to his 25 second lead at the top of the standings. With less that a week to go there’s still a lot to play for.

With the likes of Joseba Beloki, Jose Maria Jiminez and Santiago Botero all dropping well out of contention the battle for overall honours looks to be between Seville and last year’s runner-up Angel Casero of Festina. Although Seville is the better climber he’ll still have to gain more time to unsure victory, especially with a time trial course suited to Casero at the end of the week.

Defending champion Roberto Heras currently trails in fourth place and although victory is slipping away, a podium place is still more than likely. As for David Millar, his chances of a high finish look all but over. The young Scot is down in 35th place and more than 40 minutes off the pace.