Time trial and error

The last time a Spanish rider won an individual time trial was back in 1995, when Melchor Mauri blasted to victory.

Zaragoza has been the host of 41 stages of La Vuelta, with six of the stages being time trials.

Thursday's test will allow riders who lost time in the early stages to get back on track and improve their overall standing. It is also the perfect opportunity for defending champion Aitor Gonzalez, former winner Angel Casero and ONCE leader Igor Gonzalez de Galdeano to redeem therselves and get back on top.

Keep an eye on Gonzalez de Galdeano, who can easily take the lead of La Vuelta if he wins the time trial. The Spaniard's team mate, Vuelta leader Isidro Nozal, is also a solid contender in time trials and riders will have to be wary of his intentions.

Briton David Millar, the last rider to have won the time trial, is also one of the favourites.

Zaragoza is a reference point of this year's Vuelta. It's an ideal stage for specialists but as always there will be many surprises. It's an individual race but a race against the competition as well.