While most of the cycling world is firmly focussed on the countdown to the Giro, a number of the sport's other protagonists prepare to start one of the largest French stage races outside the WorldTour, the 4 Days of Dunkirk. The 5-day event is held in the northwestern part of France and is a prestigious one whose winner needs to be able to overcome the numerous steep climbs in the area and handle the strong wind that is often seen in the region. Starting at 14.45, you can follow the first 3 days of the race live on CyclingQuotes.com.

Besides the biggest French teams, 4 foreign ProTeams will participate in the event as Vacansoleil, Garmin-Sharp, Astana and Argos-Shimano have all included the race in their schedule. A number of formidable sprinters will gather on the start line with the likes of Arnaud Demare, Andrea Guardini, Samuel Dumoulin, Lloyd Mondory, Kenny Van Hummel, Raymond Kreder, Koldo Fernandez, Stefan Van Dijk, Michael Van Staeyen and Matteo Pelucchi all ready to battle it out in the bunch kicks. Meanwhile, Kevin Seeldraeyers, Michel Kreder, Samuel Dumoulin, Arnaud Gerard, Benoit Vaugrenard, Julien El Fares, Martin Elmiger og Julien Antomarchi prepare to fight for a spot on the race's winner's list behind names like Pierrick Fedrigo, Sylvain Chavanel, Rui Costa and Thomas Voeckler.

After two flatter stages for the sprinters the GC riders will start their battles today on the first of two hilly routes and the riders have the opportunit to deal their opponents an early psychological blow ahead of Sdaturday's queen stage. After a flat opening part the peloton hits a lumpy circuit towards the end of the stage and it contains the two short, steep climbs Mont Sant Eloi and Nore Dame de Lorette. With two laps on the circuit the final part contains plenty of possibilities to attack. From the top of the final passage of the latter climb only 7,5km remain and they are mostly downhill befire a technical final awaits in the city of Lievin after 179,1km.

Starting at 14.45 you can follow all the action on CyclingQuotes.com/live.