Like the previous years, parts of the Netherlands and Belgium are covered.

The leader of the points classification wears a red jersey.

Although in most stage races, the organisation gives away some points in the prologue, these were not given this year.

Just like previous years however, some teams chose to start with fewer riders, which reduced the number riders on the official starting list to 151.

At the end of the tour, the top 10 in the standings receive points accorded as follows: 50, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5 and 2.