Barring calamity, Tadej Pogacar is expected to stand on the podium in Granada in three weeks' time clad in red, as he returns to the only grand tour he has yet to win for the first time in seven years.
It was at this race in 2019 where he burst onto the scene, finishing third overall and winning three stages as well as the best young rider's jersey. There is now no one in the peloton who is a realistic challenger to the two-time world champion, particularly on a parcours seemingly tailor-made for him.
However, the points classification should be a thrilling watch as Mads Pedersen returns, this time in a duel with Wout van Aert. Visma-Lease a Bike are also handing a grand tour debut to British talent Matthew Brennan, who arrives in sparkling form after winning Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne and two stages of the Vuelta a Burgos earlier this month.
Another Briton to watch is Oscar Onley, who has had a difficult first season as the face of Netcompany-Ineos' grand tour hopes. He has returned in form and motivated, finishing second overall and winning a stage in Burgos.
The race will be held under a huge cloud as the peloton reels from the death of 19-year-old Finlay Tarling at the Volta a Portugal. His brother Josh has decided to take part in the Vuelta, with Ineos' director of racing Geraint Thomas saying: "It also goes without saying that, as a team, we all fully support Josh in his decision to take part in the race."