Vuelta a Andalucia 2014 - Stage 1

The Vuelta a Andalucia was one of two stage races starting in Europe today along with the Volta ao Algarve, and this one got underway with a 7.3 kilometre Prologue around the city of Almeria. Alejandro Valverde enters the race as defending champion, but faces stiff competition from the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins, Richie Porte and Luis Leon Sanchez.

The course was technical but fast, featuring a few roundabouts. Team Sky put in an impressive performance, and although Geraint Thomas was unable to take the top spot on course, he set a good time. His teammate Sir Bradley Wiggins signalled his intent for the season by going out very fast in the opening section, but in the end he couldn't set the best time.

Instead it was Valverde's teammate Jon Izagirre, a signing in the winter from Euskaltel-Euskadi, who surprised many by setting an impressive best time of 8:31, setting a good platform for the defending champion Valverde. Tom Dumoulin (Giant-Shimano) beat Izagirre by two seconds, and briefly thought he would get a professional win under his belt, but it was not to be.

Alejandro Valverde showed what good early season form he is in by setting an amazing time, seven seconds quicker than Dumoulin. The Spaniard won the Prologue of the race in 2013, and ended up winning the race, holding the leader's jersey to the finish. However, with the likes of Wiggins and Porte present, it will be a difficult task.

Team Sky will no doubt mount a challenge to Valverde and Movistar, creating an exciting situation going into the remaining four days of racing in Andalucia. Keep it Lanterne Rouge to get daily updates of what is going on.