The leader’s red jersey might be his main objective, but with the start of the Vuelta a España being just a day away, the bookmakers are also tipping Chris Froome (Team Sky) for success in green.

The points classification might usually be won by a sprinter at the Giro d’Italia or the Tour de France, but such is the vicious nature of the Vuelta a España route in 2017 with its nine summit finishes, Froome is the favourite to win win green.

The Team Sky rider, who is looking to win the Tour/Vuelta double, is available at odds of 10/3 at some bookmakers, being tipped slightly ahead of second-favourite Julian Alaphilippe (Quick-Step Floors).

Watch: Vuelta a España 2017 essential guide

John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo) is the only real big-name sprinter on the start list, but the bookies aren’t tipping him for much success in the fight for the green jersey with odds of around 9/1 – the relentless mountain stages making it tough for him to even make it to Madrid.

Recent history has seen the Vuelta a España points classification won by a wide variety of riders, usually coming down to a battle between an attacking climber and a sprinter.

Fabio Felline and John Degenkolb are the most recent fast men to win the prize in 2016 and 2014, but Alejandro Valverde and Bauke Mollema are also recent winners.