In the daytime, the so-called 'top riders' went through the pre-race media rituals in the Roman amphitheatre, built in 70 AD, that will also host the team time trial that kicks the race off on Saturday evening.
On Friday evening, all 198 riders made the short trip to the nearby Jardins de la Fontaine for the official teams presentation, with each of the 22 teams taking to the stage in front of the public.
There was a special tribute to Alberto Contador as he embarks upon his final race. The Spaniard, a three-time winner of the Vuelta, had already been awarded the number 1 dossard as a gesture from the race, and they got him up on stage as highlights of his career played on the big screen.
There was also a minute's silence dedicated to those affected by the terrorist attack in the Spanish city of Barcelona the previous day.
Flick through the gallery above for a full range of photos from the media day and the teams presentation.
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