Overview
- Matthew Brennan edged Jonathan Milan in a photo finish to win Stage 1 after 202.6 km from Essen to Herford.
- Danny van Poppel claimed the overall lead in the blue jersey on placings, with Samuel Watson and Brennan on the same time.
- Sprinters’ teams controlled the finale after catching a four-man break of Vinzent Dorn, Jon Knolle, Miguel Heidemann and Andrew August that gained about 3:30.
- Florian Lipowitz spent the flat day working for Red Bull–BORA-hansgrohe, fetching bottles and soaking up strong home support.
- Stage 2 covers 190.3 km from Herford to Arnsberg with multiple climbs and is billed as the queen stage favoring classics-style riders.