[1] The defending champion was Gert Jõeäär (Cofidis), who won the 2014 race, which used a very similar course, after victory in the opening time trial.

The course was an out-and-back route along the northern Belgian coast; it took place in sunny conditions with some gusts of wind.

[10] An early breakaway was formed of four riders: Tim Kerkhof (Team Roompot), Gijs Van Hoecke (Topsport Vlaanderen–Baloise), Alistair Slater (An Post–Chain Reaction) and Gorik Gardeyn (Veranclassic–Ekoi).

[11] The main break of the day was then formed with 57 kilometres (35 miles) remaining by five riders: Yves Lampaert (Etixx–Quick-Step), Tosh Van der Sande (Lotto–Soudal), Alexis Gougeard (AG2R La Mondiale), Sander Cordeel (Vastgoedservice–Golden Palace) and Mirko Selvaggi (Wanty–Groupe Gobert).

Lampaert followed Van der Sande's wheel and was able to pass him in the final metres to take the stage win.

[14] An early break was formed by Tim Kerkhof (Team Roompot), Louis Verhelst (Cofidis), Riccardo Stacchiotti (Nippo–Vini Fantini), Jimmy Engoulvent (Team Europcar), Jelle Wallays (Topsport Vlaanderen–Baloise), Edwig Cammaerts (Veranclassic–Ekoi) and Stef Van Zummeren (Verandas Willems).

In the final circuits of the race, however, these riders were brought to the main peloton and the stage ended in a bunch sprint.

Lampaert finished in eleventh place on the stage, securing his victory in the race and also taking the youth and points classifications.