As a former winner of both Le Tour De L'Avenir and the white jersey for best young rider, much is expected of Dennis Menchov.

Last year the Russian was in contention until the last week only to fade badly and slip to sixth.

Despite the record showing he won the Vuelta in 2005 - following Roberto Heras's disqualification for doping - Menchov, 29, has only the Tour of the Basque Country to his name since taking on the leadership of Rabobank.

A decent climber, who beat Landis and Leipheimer to a stage win last year, Menchov will be the main hope for the Dutch team and their famously enthusiastic fans.