Vuelta 2018 Favourites stage 1: ITT specialists for first red jersey

La Vuelta begins with an individual time trial in Málaga. The 8 kilometres course is fast, yet the riders face a punchy 1 kilometres climb at 5.5%. Cyclingstage.com brings you the favourites to ride into the first red leader's jersey in Spain. (Slideshow route/profile)

The route of the ITT begins on flat and straight roads, although a U-turn after 1.5 kilometres reduces the speed of the riders. Then it’s full gas along the beach before a climb at kilometre 4.2 leads into Málaga’s exclusive residential area El Limonar. At 1 kilometre and sloping at 5.5% the riders tackle Mount Gibralfaro before dropping down to the city. A number of relatively fast corners lead onto the Calle Larios and eventually the finish at the Plaza de la Constitución in the historic centre of Málaga.

Rohan Dennis should win this one. He is one of the best time trialists in the world and doesn’t shy away from an uphill, although Michal Kwiatkowski could be a serious threat if he sets his mind to it.

Favourites 1st stage 2018 Vuelta a España

*** Michal Kwiatkowski, Rohan Dennis, Wilco Kelderman
** Richie Porte, Ion Izagirre, Victor Campenaerts, Rigoberto Uran
* Dylan van Baarle, Alejandro Valverde, Jonathan Castroviejo, Nelson Oliveira