Harry Sweeny (Lotto Soudal), Patrick Konrad (BORA - hansgrohe) and Stefan Bissegger (EF Education - Nippo) made an attack after the traditional procession had finished. The Australian and his companions tried to push out their advantage, bu the peloton had other ideas, with Team BikeExchange trying to keep things together for the intermediate sprint for Michael Matthews and his slim hopes of winning the green jersey. The front three swept up the top three positions, but Mark Cavendish and his Deceuninck-QuickStep team made sure to claim the top available points, with the Manxman then only having to claim seventh or higher at the finish - even if Matthews won the stage - to win the green jersey.