Rolling out from San Gimignano, a new start town announced by organisers RCS Sport last month, more than a quarter of the 197km route will be raced on the rough, white gravel roads of Tuscany.

Covering a total of 50km over ten sections, the peloton will first encounter the Strade Bianche after 33km in San Leornardo and face the final section just 12km from the Siena finish line.

Lengthy gravel sections en route also include the 11.5km section over Monte Saint Marie, while the ascent of Ville di Corsano is 5.9km long.

Coupled with the short, sharp climbs which litter the route, the Strade Bianche has become a true test of technical ability in its short history. The final 20km alone sees the riders face the ascent of Colle val d’Elsa, which has ramps touching 15 per cent in gradient, and the graveled climb of Le Tolfe, which reaches 18 per cent in parts.

Having negotiated the two, the finish line is atop Il Campo which could, like it did 12 months ago, suit a late attack with Moreno Moser and Peter Sagan (both Cannondale) again among those expected to be in the mix.

The undulating course also includes sharp climbs on the Boulevard di Montalcino and a long, technical graveled descent towards San Giovanni d’Asso.

So who has what it takes to tame Tuscany’s gravel roads?