The Spanish climber was a bike's length ahead of Armstrong throughout much of Le Tour's mountain stages.

And afterwards the Texan hailed him as the major force in his fourth consecutive Tour victory.

As usual Armstrong will be absent for La Vuelta and Heras' track record means he will be the US Postal number one.

His career high happened on the Spanish Grand Tour back in 2000 when he stormed to victory.

And the Spaniard looks on form to repeat that feat.

One major factor which could be detrimental to his cause is his lack of time trialling ability.

During the Tour de France, he told BBC Sport Online: " I lose too much time in the time trials which has halted my overall chances in big races in the past."

Over a particularly mountainous Vuelta and against less competent time triallist, Heras should be among the leading favourites.