A closer look at Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var: Peter Sagan, Caleb Ewan and Nairo Quintana headline three-day French event

This weekend we have racing in France as the Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var takes off for another edition, this one a bit more friendly to some sprinters and puncheurs which has attracted a more illustrious startlist.

Taking place in the Alpes Maritimes, southeastern France, it is no surprise that the race is done in the hills but the organizers have managed to make it a less brutal route this year. Having only three days of racing also makes a difference when comparing to the other ongoing stage-races, the opening stage should be pleasant for the sprinters, as long as they can climb of course, the second day sees the peloton take on a more mountainous day with a finale in La Turbie after climbing the Col d'Éze and the final day is rather hilly, with the possibility of a GC raid or a breakaway day to succeed.

In the sprint stages we should see the likes of Peter Sagan and Caleb Ewan battle it out which will make for a very interesting battle early on in the year. Nacer Bouhanni and Andrea Vendrame will be between the other contenders aswell.

As for the general classification a tight battle is expected as the stages aren't overly hard, thus open for many riders to be in contention. Nairo Quintana should be the main favourite after his win at the Tour de la Provence, rivals should be Bauke Mollema, Mattias Skjelmose, Guillaume Martin, Thibaut Pinot, Michael Torer, Tim Wellens, Franck Bonnamour and Anders Johannessen mainly.

You will be able to keep up with the race here on CyclingUpToDate as we bring you race reports and interviews on a daily basis.