Step 2

Lauwin-Planque - Boulogne-sur-Mer

From a start in the heart of the Douais region, the profile of this stage will undoubtedly bring about a change in the Yellow Jersey wearer. If he's a pure sprinter, yesterday's winner will find it hard to resist the wear and tear of the hills of the Artois and Boulonnais regions, and the incessant battle of the climbs leading up to windy plateaus.

As for the finale, it will be cut out for the puncheurs, with two severe difficulties on the seaside, at Saint-Étienne-au-Mont and its 15% passages, then at Outreau, just over 5 kilometers from the finish line, itself drawn at the top of a one-kilometer climb. The overall favourites will need to be on their toes.