Racing from the Netherlands to France takes the riders straight through Classics country on stages three and four, with the finale to the former a familiar one to Ardennes Classics fans.

The Mur de Huy, the narrow, brutal climb which marks the end of La Felche Wallonne is likely to cause some early splits in the general classification.

Just 1.3km in length, the ascent is a short but brutal one with an average gradient of 9.6 per cent – though even that does little justice to the true nature of the beast.

Narrow roads will likely make for a nervous bunch, while ramps approaching 19 per cent in gradient and a final 300 metres where the slopes never drop into single digits will favour an attack.

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) won La Fleche this year on his way to the world number one spot and will no doubt relish this stage should he pair up with Nairo Quintana in next year’s race.