Alejandro Valverde insists being installed as one of the big favourites to win the Vuelta a Espana is an inspiration not a hindrance.

Valverde has never won the Vuelta, but with his fellow Spaniard Alberto Contador, the reigning champion and Tour de France winner, plus Levi Leipheimer and Carlos Sastre - last year's top three - all not participating, this could be the 29-year-old's year.

Along with the likes of Cadel Evans, Ivan Basso, Samuel Sanchez and Andy Schleck, Valverde is being tipped for glory and the Caisse d'Epargne rider is confident he can come out on top.

"I'm in the Vuelta to win it," said Valverde, who was omitted from the Tour de France due to the two-year suspension imposed on him by the Italian Olympic Committee on the grounds that he had violated the International Cycling Union (UCI) anti-doping regulations.

"I feel very good both physically and psychologically, with a lot of hunger and ambition, but I know that in a three-week long race, this is not enough. Hopefully luck and health are also on my side and this is my year.

"It's true that almost all the press have me down as the big favourite, but this doesn't mean that I have more or less pressure than in the other races I take part in.

"I'm used to this and it serves to motivate me even more. I'm a winner and wherever I go I like to do well.

"I know that it's a great opportunity for me and I have everything I need to be close to victory. Why can't I win?"

The 64th edition of the Vuelta starts tomorrow in the Dutch town of Assen with an individual time-trial at the TT circuit.

The race, which has never visited Holland before, will also briefly feature trips into Germany and Belgium in the opening four stages before finally switching to home soil with the 174km fifth stage between Tarragona and Vinaros.

Looking ahead to the event, Valverde added: "It's going to be very tough. There are a lot of mountain stages and they are difficult. You also have to take into account the hot weather in the south of Spain.

"More than likely, this Vuelta will be a race of elimination."

The 21st and final stage will take place on Sunday, September 20, and sees the riders make the 110km ride from Rivas Vaciamadrid to Madrid.