132.6 kms of almost absolutely flat terrain, and it will be almost certain to end in a sprint finish. Valuable time bonuses are on the line, but nobody in contention for the bunch sprint here will be good enough uphill, so unless it goes to a breakaway, or bold last minute move the bonuses will be of little effect.
The last km has a 0.9% uphill gradient, which doesn't exclude anyone from the stage, but may favour a lighter sprinter. That may be enough for enough teams to think that they can beat the notoriously lackadaisical Kittel, who doesn't often bestir himself to sprint this early in the season. There should be plenty of help on offer from Trek (Nizzolo), EQS (Renshaw/Meersman) and a few others to ensure the break doesn't gain too much leeway. In addition Sky, with favourite Porte, don't want a breakaway gaining too much time, so will keep a lid on things here.