Cycling: After the two big tours claimed their well-known victims, the Vuelta a España expects a star cast. Only Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) will probably not be at the start in Jerez at the end of August.
The group of tour riders is led by Chris Froome (Sky), Andrew Talansky (Garmin-Sharp), both of whom had to leave the Tour de France due to falls, and Nairo Quintana (Movistar). Joining this trio is defending champion Chris Horner (Lampre-Merida), who missed the Giro d'Italia due to a fall injury but made it through to the end in France.
Also present: Tour fourth-placed Alejandro Valverde (Movistar), his compatriot Joaquim Rodríguez (Katusha), Australian Cadel Evans (BMC Racing) and Olympic champion in Beijing, Samuel Sánchez (BMC Racing). With Thibaut Pinot (FDJ.fr), the tour third will also tackle the fight for the red jersey. Fabio Aru (Astana) and Rigoberto Urán (Omega Pharma-Quick Step) complete the Giro podium at the start of the Vuelta.
Alongside the tour riders, Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma-QuickStep) will also be looking to celebrate stage wins. In preparing for the sprint, he can count on Tony Martin, who will meet his time trial rival Fabian Cancellara (Trek) in Spain. Cavendish, on the other hand, will have to take on Nacer Bouhanni (FDJ.fr) and Gerald Ciolek (MTN-Qhubeka). Philippe Gilbert (BMC) should also be good for stage wins – Spain has suited him in recent years. Warren Barguil (Giant-Shimano) also wants to build on his two stage wins from last year.
So far, the organizers have announced the names of the following riders who - provided they are spared injuries - will tackle the Tour of Spain: Chris Horner (Lampre-Merida), Chris Froome, Mikel Nieve (both Sky), Nairo Quintana, Alejandro Valverde ( both Movistar), Joaquim Rodríguez (Katusha), Cadel Evans, Samuel Sánchez, Philippe Gilbert (all BMC), Peter Sagan (Cannondale), Mark Cavendish, Rigoberto Urán, Tom Boonen, Tony Martin (all Omega Pharma-Quick Step), Thibaut Pinot, Nacer Bouhanni (both FDJ), Warren Barguil (Giant-Shimano), Fabio Aru (Astana), Dan Martin, Andrew Talansky (both Garmin-Sharp), Fabian Cancellara (Trek) as well as Laurens Ten Dam and Robert Gesink (both Belkin ).