The opening stage of the race began at Heerenveen football club’s Abe Lenstra Stadium, before the peloton tackled a 177 kilometre route through The Netherlands.

A six man breakaway survived for much of the stage, but they were caught as the peloton prepared for the final 10 kilometres.

Jan Willem Van Schip produced a late attack to try to upset the sprinters.

The Dutch rider’s attempt was faltered, with the expected bunch sprint then unfolding.

Jakobsen produced the fastest finish as the Quick-Step Floors’ rider crossed the line in a winning time of 4 hours and 1min.

The Dutchman held off the challenge of Germany’s Marcel Kittel and Australia’s Caleb Ewan to take the victory.

It earned him a 10 second time bonus, with Jakobsen now set to wear the leader’s jersey in tomorrow’s individual time trial.

While the International Cycling Union (UCI) WorldTour race got underway, the second Women’s WorldTour event in Vårgårda took place.

The road race looked set to be decided in a bunch sprint, but Marianne Vos attacked on the final corner and successfully open a gap to the main field.

The Dutch rider, a frustrated second place at the European Championships in Glasgow last week, pulled away in the finishing straight to claim victory.

Kirsten Wild ended as the runner-up in the sprint behind, with the Dutchwoman followed across the line by Finland’s Lotta Lepistö.