The Volta ao Algarve in Portugal is one of the first mountainous outings for the Grand Tour contenders to stretch their legs, and it will be a prime opportunity for Alberto Contador and his Tinkoff team to test themselves as they ramp up for the Tour de France in July.
It will also be Fabio Aru's chance to measure his form against his rival. Aru has a fine sixth place in the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana under his belt already, while Contador will be competing for the first time of the season.
With an 18km time trial on stage 3 to contend with, the overall classification could fall into the hands of the strong chrono men like Tony Martin (Etixx-Quickstep), Alex Dowsett (Movistar) or Fabian Cancellara (Trek).
