This year's Tirreno-Adriatico is set to be a dress rehearsal for the Tour de France, with the world's four leading general classification (GC) riders having committed to this month's race.
Reigning Tour champion Vincenzo Nibali, last year's Giro d'Italia winner Nairo Quintana, 2014 Vuelta a Espana victor Alberto Contador, plus Chris Froome will go head-to-head in Italy's second most prestigious multi-stage race, which starts on March 11.
The Tirreno-Adriatico's official website released a statement on Monday, confirming the quartet's involvement.
"It has never happened before that the dominant four Grand Tour winners have all raced in a WorldTour stage event," the statement read.
"Alberto Contador, Christopher Froome, Vincenzo Nibali and Nairo Quintana guarantee an unprecedented spectacle for the 50th edition of the Tirreno-Adriatico."
The four cyclists, who have won five of the past six grand tour jerseys and have 11 titles between them, are set for a mammoth showdown at Le Tour this year, but the cycling world will be hoping a few shots are fired at from March 11-17.
Tinkoff-Saxo's Contador, who won last year, cannot wait to defend his title.
"I am really looking forward to returning to this race because I had fantastic sensation there last year, and it gives me another opportunity to meet the Italian fans, who have always made me feel at home," the Spaniard said.
Astana's Nibali will return to a race he won in 2012 and 2013, while Quintana of Movistar had a strong year in Italy in 2014 - winning the Giro and finishing second in the Tirreno-Adriatico.
Team Sky's Froome arguably has the weakest record in Italy having only raced the Giro twice, although he was second overall at the 2013 Tirreno-Adriatico behind Nibali.