The Lithuanian been listed among the pre-race favourites by another rival for the top spot - Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano.

So far this season one of his best results came in the Euskal Bizikleta when he was second but little attention should be paid to what he has done to date.

Rumsas has all the attributes to cause a stir this time around, as a powerful cyclist, an adept time triallist and a rider untroubled by the more arduous climbs.

A quiet season to date may mean he is in perfect physical condition to make an impact through the Alps and the Pyrenees.

The biggest result of his career so far has been victory in last autumn's Tour of Lombardy, traditionally the final event of the European season.