The second stage takes the riders from Urecht to Zeeland, over a distance of 166 kilometres. If there are crosswinds, echelons could be formed. At the end the riders will sprint on the artificial island Neeltje Jans. With André Greipel in a leading role?

“When you come here to sprint, you need to be attentive all day long," he said. "Each rider who is fast has marked this stage. And the rider who wins, can be more relaxed the next days, just like his team.

"The wind can influence the race, that’s why the GC riders will have to be attentive as well and everyone will be very nervous. But this is the Tour de France. To win here you need to be better than 100%.”