Malaga province is ready for the event

This year's Vuelta a España was launched in front of the world's sporting media in the Roman theatre, in the shadow of Malaga's Alcazaba castle, on Thursday evening.

Beneath sparkling Costa del Sol sunshine, the excitement around the next few days of cycling spectacle around Malaga province was palatable.

The presentation of teams gave the public the first chance to get used to who will be competing.

However earlier in the day a more technical gathering of the teams took place at the provincial authority's Térmica cultural complex.

Pundits said that this year's La Vuelta, as it is now more formally called, is the most open Grand Tour in years.

With defending champion Chris Froome and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas both missing, commentators were looking forward to discovering fresh cycling talent.