On the last remaining relatively flat stage, the Giant-Shimano rider consolidated his position atop the points classification by timing his break for the line to perfection in the final 500 metres of the 190.7 kilometres trek from Ortigueira.

Degenkolb positioned himself nicely in the slipstream of the main bunch being led out by Team Sky inside the final kilometre before launching his attack.

Australian Michael Matthews and Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara challenged Degenkolb in the run in but the 25-year-old from Gera held off his challengers to cross the line for his ninth career stage on the Vuelta.

Belgium's Jasper Stuyven and Italian Roberto Ferrari completed the top-five as the main bunch all finished on the same time.

"It looked easy, but it really wasn't today," said Degenkolb.

"We had to work really hard for it, harder than the other days.

"We did everything for a sprint today and it turned out to be the right decision.

"It was a hard final, but we looked at the last ten kilometres yesterday, and today everything worked out as we had planned it on the rest day.

"I will do my best to defend the green jersey."

Degenkolb now has four stage wins on this year's Vuelta putting top of the points classification ©AFP/Getty Images



The day began with news that Colombia's Rigoberto Uran had pedalled his last kilometre in the race as he pulled out with asthmatic bronchitis.

An early five-man breakaway led by Elia Favilli of Italy, and Australian Rohan Dennis opened up a lead of over four minutes but they could not sustain their efforts and were eventually reeled in by the peloton as the final climb took its toll.

Tinoff-Saxo's Contador remains in possession of the leader's red jersey 1min 36sec ahead of compatriot Alejandro Valverde.

Britain's Chris Froome is three seconds back on Valverde, while Spaniard Joaquin Rodriguez is 2:29 off the leader, followed by Fabian Aru of Italy.

Tomorrow the riders tackle the 157km stage from A Estrada which culminates in the seventh summit finish in this year's race at Mont Castrove.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related Stories
September 2014: Contador moves step closer to victory at the Vuelta a España with stage 16 win
September 2014: Niemiec secures stage 15 win in Vuelta a España as Contador loses valuable seconds to main rivals
September 2014: Hesjedal wins stage 14 of Vuelta a España as Froome begins fightback
September 2014: Navarro takes stage 13 win on Vuelta a España while Contador retains red jersey
September 2014: Contador retains lead as Degenkolb claims third win on Vuelta a España