The sprinters get another chance at stage victory in the second week. The 161 kilometers between Vichy and Nevers are almost entirely flat, so few riders will entertain the illusion of preventing a bunch sprint.

There is little excitement along the way on Wednesday. After leaving Vichy, the riders follow the Allier River for a long stretch. Near Moulins, they then head toward the Loire Valley. Once they have crossed it, they take a detour into Nevers.

A sprint will then decide the stage. This will be the fourth time the Tour has finished in Nevers: in the past, winners here have included Eric Leman, Guido Bontempo, and Alessandro Petacchi.