Vuelta a Andalucía
The Vuelta a Andalucía was a traditional early season race. Many riders in the modern peloton, however, chose to start their seasons in the Middle East rather than in Europe (the 2015 Tour of Oman ran at the same time). In 2015, these included Alejandro Valverde (), who had won the Vuelta a Andalucía in 2012, 2013 and 2014, so he was not present to defend his title.