"It is not a stage for the pure sprinters," Jean-Francois Pescheux, race director, said.
The attackers should be favoured again, with Italy's Filippo Pozzato one of those looking to make up for Saturday's failure.
Valverde, happy to take a longer view, said after winning stage one on Saturday: "I had three goals coming to the Tour - win a stage, wear the yellow jersey and win the race.
"I feel peaceful already as I have already reached two.
"But obviously it will be hard to defend it in the coming days, so why fight for something you already have."
The 28-year-old made a huge impression in the Tour's opening stage in Plumelec, but there are still some 3,400kms to go before the Spanish champion can emulate the likes of Lance Armstrong, Miguel Indurain, Bernard Hinault or Eddy Merckx.
"The course suited me and as a result I find myself in the lead," Valverde said on Saturday.
"It might be a little early to take the yellow jersey, but I can't complain, can I? You have to take it one day."
Gifted rider
Seen as the most gifted rider of his generation for the past five years, along with compatriot Alberto Contador, Valverde has so far failed to live up to the hype in the big Tours.
The Spaniard has often faltered in the third week or lost precious ground in time trials and finished sixth in last year's Tour.
Valverde also admitted he was proud of maintaining the Spanish hold on the famous yellow jersey.
His teammate Oscar Pereiro won the Tour in 2006 and Alberto Contador was crowned last year.
The defending champion has not been allowed in this year's Tour by organisers, who ruled out his Astana team because of its doping past.
"It's great to take this yellow jersey from Alberto. I've always said I would have loved to see him on this Tour," Valverde said.
"Now it would be great to emulate him and wear it in Paris, but it's still a long way away."