Upcoming: 17th Volta a Mallorca

Putting the "sigh" in cycling: Mallorca in winter is a rider's dream

Some of the biggest names in pro cycling will descend on the island of Mallorca this weekend as the 17th Volta a Mallorca hosts Spain's first big race of the year. This middle-aged race has been won by a number of excellent riders, Alejandro Valverde (2003, 2005), Laurent Jalabert (1993), and Luis Leon Sanchez (2007) among them. The five stage race is unique in that it allows riders to choose which stages they race. This dynamic allows teams to bring a large contingent to the event, as shown in the official start list. It should be a great 5 days of racing under the warm Spanish sun, as temperatures in the low 60's and little wind are predicted for the duration of the race.

Under rated Leon Sanchez will hope to heft the Mallorca hardware again in 2008

This year, some heavy hitters taking the start are defending champ Luis Leon Sanchez, 2006 TDF champ Oscar Periero and former two-time winner of Mallorca Alejandro Valverde, of Caisse d'Epargne. David de la Fuente, the young climber of Saunier Duvall will ride, as will Gerolsteiner's Classics hope Stephan Schumacher. Astana will send 2007 Tour champ Alberto Contador and super domestique Andreas Kloden, while Vuelta champ Dennis Menchov and Classics hope Juan Antonio Flecha will represent for Rabobank.

Ouch! Steep hills like this one in stage three should blow apart the race and make for an early season indicator of who'll be climbing the best as the season progresses

Mallorca is a great race for all style of racers, as it begins with two fairly flat stages and finishes with three of the hilly variety. It is a great race to build form, and if one feels so inclined, test the freshness of their legs against some of the world's best. In particular, stages three and four should provide some big time gaps as the climbers rachet up the pace on the cat. 1 and 2 climbs they face. Sanchez will no doubt be looking for overall victory again, but it won't come easy.

Aitor Hernández off the front early in stage stage 2 of the 2006 Tour

Riders to watch in Mallorca include most of the well known Spanish climbers (Valverde, Contador, de la Fuente, Periero), stage racers Markus Fothen of Gerolsteiner, Stijn Devolder of Quick Step, and less well known Spaniards like former national champ and three-time top ten Giro finisher Juan Manuel Gárate, also riding for Quick Step, and Aitor Hernández, a 26 year old mountain specialist of the Basque Euskaltel-Euskadi team. Steep climbs and sunny weather, what more could a cyclist (or cycling fan) want? Hint: More TV coverage!

The Volta a Mallorca is always a well-attended event with a powerhouse field