Irizar set to defend Andalucía title

Markel Irizar will line up at the Vuelta a Andalucía's prologue in San Fernándo on Sunday with number one on his back. The erstwhile Euskaltel rider took out last year's race to secure his first stage-race win of a career that's blossomed since signing for Bruyneel's outfit, and he'll have the backing of a strong-looking RadioShack team at the five-day race.

By Irizar's side will be Euskaltel legened Haimar Zubeldia, Jens Voigt, Fränk Schleck, Maxime Monfort, Linus Gerdemann and Daniele Bennati.

This year's edition will start out with a 6km-prologue perfectly tailored to the Oñati native's strengths and might just set him on the way to another tilt at the overall in the Ruta del Sol.