If we weren't in Northern France, the Valenciennes-Dunkirk stage (178.3 km to cover) would be perfect for sprinters, especially given the mere 800 meters of elevation to tackle. They remain the logical favorites but... today - perhaps it's better to say "especially today" - the riders will have to deal with the wind.

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After the Côte de Cassel, a 4th category climb that will be tackled 35 kilometers from the finish, they will pedal to the finish in open countryside, always heading towards the sea, and the wind could disrupt the plans of the sprinters' teams aiming for a final sprint in front of the Marcel-Tribut stadium.