A bunch sprint is expected on the sea front in Scarborough, when the first leader’s jersey will be handed out, but Downing has warned it may not be that straightforward.

With five climbs on the route, all of which – despite being short – boast average gradients that shouldn’t be taken lightly, there is plenty of opportunity for the race to split up.

The last ascent, the Cote de Robin Hood’s Bay, is 1.5km long with an average gradient in double figures (10.3% to be exact) and peaks less than 30km from the finish line.

And Downing says it is not the only climb to be aware of.

“It’s going to be tough for the sprinters that’s for sure,” he said. “I did a recon last week and it was a tough old day – I did it on my own, and found some of the uncategorised climbs to be tough too.

“Of course, there is a big difference between a recon and race day when you’re surrounded by other riders and on your best race bike but stage one is not going to be an easy day.

“It’s always up and down and I think it will definitely be a challenging day for everyone. If I can climb well then I feel like I’ll be in a good position at the end, myself, because I sprint better when the big guys are tired.”

It is not just the climbing to be aware of either – as both Downing and Swift attest to – but the unpredictable British weather.

Downing added: “Unlike in Europe when the roads go up they don’t tend to come back down here. They stay up and are quite flat on the top, which are quite open, so if the wind blows that could cause carnage.

“I think, though it’s a three-stage race, you can probably treat it as three one-day races. It’s not going to be controlled that’s for sure. We’re all just going to have to take each day as it comes.”

Swift adds: “The coast road going towards the finish is really lumpy, and the last climb above Robin Hood’s Bay is really steep. Then there’s the wind: it could be blowing a hoolie.

“The ideal scenario for me on that day would be getting away with a small group of strong guys, then contesting the sprint to perhaps pick up some bonus seconds.”

Where to watch

Robin Hood’s Bay – “You’ll have a great view from there and we’ll drop almost right into the Bay and then back up again,” says Downing. “It’s a really steep climb, so we’ll be going quite slow too.”

Scarborough – With a sprint finish likely, the finish line will offer a great vantage point. “It’s right on the seafront and there’s a big grass bank where people can stand,” Downing adds. “I think the atmosphere’s going to be amazing.”