The details of the route for the 74th edition of Paris-Nice, which will take place between 6th and 13th March, were unveiled this morning at the seat of the Yvelines general council. Between Conflans-Saint-Honorine and Nice, this mini Tour de France is likely to be won on the slopes of Mont Ventoux, but also on a new stage finish at La Madone d’Utelle.

The Race to the sun does not always deserve its nickname… because it also permits itself to play with the concept of seasons. For the 2016 edition, the first major European stage race of the year on which the leading lights of the pack will do battle, will resemble the month of July slightly more than usual, regardless of the vagaries of the weather. As in the Tour de France, the pretenders for victory will have to demonstrate their completeness and consistency throughout a demanding week spent battling it out on varying stage profiles. In the Yvelines, it will be paramount to avoid losing time to rivals in the prologue at Conflans-Saint-Honorine. However, the possibility of pitfalls are multiplied with dirt roads, which may remind some of the Tro Bro Léon, at the finish in Vendôme; a finish designed especially for punchers on the slopes of Mont-Brouilly; or a passage along the flanks of Mont Ventoux, on the way to Salon-de-Provence.

Whilst the climb up the bald mountain, not quite to the summit but instead to Chalet Reynard at an altitude of 1,440 m, will be the highest point of the race, it will not be the most revealing mountain test. Indeed, the following day, on completion of a new ascent measuring more than 15 km (with an average gradient of 5.7%) the penultimate stage will finish at the majestic viewpoint of La Madone d’Utelle (1165m). The best climber will be rewarded for his efforts at the summit and will most likely be in contention for outright victory. He will still have to hold off his rivals whose attacks will again be encouraged on Sunday’s stage, with the start and finish in Nice. The sequence of familiar climbs and more rarely ridden ascents is conducive to gambles that could pay off on the last descent down to the Promenade des Anglais, following the passage over the Col d’Eze pass.

Alberto Contador, Romain Bardet and Fabio Aru are among the confirmed riders for the French race. Defending champion Richie Porte is also expected to return with his new BMC team.

The stages

Sunday 6th March, prologue: Conflans-Sainte-Honorine > Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, 6.1 km (TT)

Monday 7th Marche, 1st stage: Condé-sur-Vesgre > Vendôme, 195 km

Tuesday 8th March, 2nd stage: Contres > Commentry, 214 km

Wednesday 9th March, 3rd stage: Cusset > Mont Brouilly, 165.5 km

Thursday 10th March, 4th stage: Juliénas > Romans-sur-Isère, 193.5 km

Friday 11th March, 5th stage: Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux > Salon-de-Provence, 198 km

Saturday 12th March, 6th stage: Nice > La Madone d’Utelle, 177 km

Sunday 13th March, 7th stage: Nice > Nice, 141 km