The redesigned route announced by organisers ASO means the race will be the first since 1955 not to feature an individual time trial, while the total distance of 1477km makes it one of the longest editions ever.

Organisers have billed it as a ‘race for the daring’, which they hope will offer ‘previously unseen opportunities’ to the more enterprising riders in the peloton.

Starting for the fifth consecutive year in Yvelines, all eight stages have been designed with one-day Classics in mind.

After a 162.5km circuit on the first day, the bunch then faces three stages of more than 200 kilometres in the saddle over the next five days.

One such stage, from Nevers to Belleville, is 201.5km long and features the punishing ascent of Mont Brouilly with ramps of 25 per cent in parts.

Col d’Eze is another major climb, forming one of five major ascents which must be tackled on the final stage into Nice to ensure the final destination of the yellow jersey is not certain until the final day.

Many of the stages feature undulating routes, with the focus on short, sharp climbs rather than punishing long ascents to encourage the more aggressive riders to make their mark.

Sprint finishes are likely on the largely-flat opening three stages, though winds could play their part, but stage four – with Mont Brouilly just 14 kilometres from the finish – is likely to present the GC contenders with an early chance to earn a gap.

Stage five is similarly set up, with three category three ascents unlikely to pose too many problems, but the category two climb of Cote de Sainte-Catherine, peaking at 12.5km from the finish, likely to suit an aggressive rider.

The undulating final three stages will then ensure any GC contenders must fight to the end to win the yellow jersey in Nice.