Three small climbs broke up an otherwise flat and uneventful stage, with a three-man breakaway staying out all day and only being caught by the peloton with three kilometres remaining.
The sprinters’ teams jostled for position as the pack entered Troyes, getting extremely close to the barriers.
But Kittel had too much power for his rivals, ghosting up the outside to pip Demare and Andre Greipel on the line.
Chris Froome crossed the line safely in the peloton to retain the yellow jersey.
More to follow…
