Chris Froome says that he has "unfinished business" with the Vuelta a Espana ahead of the start of the race on August 19.
The reigning Tour de France champion is aiming to become just the third rider in history to win the Tour and the Vuelta a Espana in the same season.
"It certainly feels as if I've got unfinished business with this race," Froome said. "I have finished second three times now [2011, 2014 and 2016], but I've got a good feeling about this year's Vuelta."
Froome is aiming to emulate Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault in completing the Tour-Vuelta double, but he knows that the race will be gruelling.
"It's a race I love doing, but it's relentless," continued Froome. "The course is always a lot more mountainous than the Tour de France and the conditions are tougher.
"Being mid-August in Spain, it's quite common to have temperatures up in the mid 40s. It's absolutely brutal.
"One thing that really sets the Vuelta apart from other races is where it is in the season. You have this mixture of riders who have targeted the Vuelta specifically, and others who are coming off a big season already.
"Typically, it's a very aggressive race and a very punchy style of racing, which always makes for great viewing for the fans."
Team principal Sir Dave Brailsford said that the team are fully behind Froome in his quest to make history.
"Every Vuelta is important as it is a Grand Tour but this year we are more motivated than ever to try to win it," said Brailsford. "I believe this Vuelta can be a defining moment for Team Sky and for Chris Froome."
Christian Knees and Spaniard David Lopez will lead the Sky support team while Wout Poels, who has endured an injury plagued 2017 season, is also part of the nine-strong Sky team which also includes British rider Ian Stannard.