The GP Ouest-France, formerly known as the GP de Plouay, will see some crucial UCI WorldTour points up for grabs as the late-season classics kick into action.

The Brittany-based race takes place over a circuit of 27km and contains three climbs which are set to be the key battlegrounds in the closing stages of the race, although a bunch sprint finish is still possible.

The race has traditionally been dominated by Frenchmen, who have won 64 of the 74 editions so far, but the last three victories have gone to riders from outside the home nation.

The local favourites will still be out to impress, however, with several thousand fans expected to line the roads for the conclusion of a four-day cycling festival.

Route

The riders will complete nine laps of a 27km circuit, a slight change from recent years when the course was only 19.1km long. At a total of 243km, however, the overall distance is as punishing as ever.

The lap starts in the town of Plouay, where the first climb of the Cote du Lezot is taken in, before coming back on itself and heading north.

But instead of going straight to the Keriheul climb as usual, the riders will turn right at Pont-Neuf and take in a more gradual climb up to the Chapelle Ste Anne des Bois.

The route then heads back south down the Keriheul before taking in three turns which will send the riders to the foot of the final climb on the circuit, the Cote de Ty Marrec.

Key section

The Ty Marrec is the steepest of the three climbs of the circuit, with early sections in excess of 7% giving way to a long false flat stretch leading to the summit. Attacks are sure to be launched here in the final laps.

After a short descent there is one more kick up before another downhill stretch leads into the finish back in Plouay.

Tactics

With the race being suited to fast finisher who also excels on short hills, Team Sky will hope Edvald Boasson Hagen can put in a strong performance. The Norwegian will spearhead a line-up of strong all-rounders who will be suited to the terrain.

Team Sky history

The team will boast a former winner in their ranks when Jeremy Hunt, who was victorious back in 2002, takes to the start line. Juan Antonio Flecha finished second in 2005, while Simon Gerrans was also a runner-up in Team Sky colours last year.