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Ronda, Spain • German rider John Degenkolb timed his final sprint perfectly to win a sunny fifth stage of the Spanish Vuelta on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old Team Giant-Shimano rider broke free from the pack with 600 meters to go and crossed the line in 4 hours, 41 minutes, 47 seconds, just ahead of Nacer Bouhanni and Moreno Hofland who were on the same time.
It was the second successive Vuelta stage win for Degenkolb, and seventh of his career.
Michael Matthews of Australia retained the leader's red jersey and is 13 seconds ahead of race favorite Nairo Quintana of Colombia and two-time Vuelta winner Alejandor Valverde of Spain.
The main pack bunched up toward the end, with riders holding back their final sprints as late as possible in the hot conditions.