On day two of the German stage race, the organizers scheduled the first road race after the opening day's prologue, which was won by Norway's Søren Waerenskjold (Uno-X Mobility). The ultra-short time trial had an exciting finish, with slight time differences.

Led by Uno-X Mobility, the peloton rode from Essen to Herford, covering a distance of 202 kilometers. It was a relatively flat stage, with only two small climbs in the second half. The flat finish would be ideal for the fast riders.

Four riders wanted to avoid a bunch sprint and attacked: American Andrew August (INEOS Grenadiers) and Germans Vincent Dorn (Bike Aid), Miguel Heidemann, and Jon Knolle (both REMBE | rad-net). The quartet built up a lead of less than three minutes.

With just under 65 kilometers to go, Lidl-Trek sent more and more riders to the front of the peloton to help Uno-X Mobility chase down the four leaders. Dorn and Knolle were the last two breakaway riders left after the two fought for the mountain points. However, with 15 kilometers to go, the duo was caught, and the peloton prepared for a bunch sprint.

In the final stretch, just over 6 kilometers from the finish, there was another bonus sprint, which Wout van Aert (Visma | Lease a Bike) managed to win. Samuel Watson (INEOS Grenadiers) finished second, Riley Sheehan of Israel-Premier Tech third. Due to the high pace heading into the intermediate sprint on a small hill, the peloton split. Nevertheless, a large group would ride to the finish.

Soudal Quick-Step then set up the sprint train for Luke Lamperti 3.5 kilometers from the finish line on the left side of the road. However, Lamperti would have to go it alone in the final kilometer. Van Poppel started the sprint in second place, but quickly saw Milan and Brennan overtake him. Van Poppel was clearly third, but a photo finish was needed to determine the winner. Milan initially seemed to be heading for victory, but Brennan turned out to have crossed the line first.