Vuelta 2014: John Degenkolb powers to 4th win

Wednesday, September 10 - The 174 kilometres ride between Ortigueira and Coruña is mainly on the spectacular Galician coastline. Loads a short climbs, but no real climbing today. Whilst a breakaway of five is history in the final kilometre it's 'strong' John Degenkolb outpowering Michael Matthews and Fabian Cancellara. (Slideshow route/profile)

Vuelta 2014: Results stage 17

1. John Degenkolb (Ger)
2. Michael Matthews (aus) s.t.
3. Fabian Cancellara (Swi) s.t.
4. Jasper Stuyven (bel) s.t.
5. Roberto Ferrari (ita) s.t.
6. Koldo Fernandez (spa) s.t.
7. Geoffrey Soupe (fra) s.t.
8. Danilo Wyss (Swi) s.t.
9. Damiano Caruso (ita) s.t.
10. Vicente Reynes (spa) s.t.

GC after stage 17
1. Alberto Contador (spa)
2. Alejandro Valverde (spa) + 1.36
3. Chris Froome (gbr) + 1.39
4. Joaquim Rodriguez (spa) + 2.29
5. Fabio Aru (ita) + 3.38
6. Daniel Martin (Irl) + 6.17
7. Robert Gesink (Nld) + 6.43
8. Samuel Sánchez (spa) + 6.56
9. Warren Barguil (fra) + 8.37
10. Damiano Caruso (ita) + 9.12

Race report
Attacks galore in the early kilometres, but it’s only after over 20 kilometres of racing when the actual split occurs. Rohan Rennis and Bob Jungels break free, whilst Elia Favilli, Lluis Más Bonet and Daniel Teklehaimanot make the cross.

The gap grows to around 3 minutes and there is stops. Giant is controlling the break in favor of John Degenkolb.

With 27 kilometres left Más Bonnet is dropped and Teklehaimanot’s escape is over at 10 kilometres. The gain is down to 0’44”.

When the bunch threatens to swallow them Dennis and Favelli give it a go, but it’s in vain. The two are caught in the final kilometre and that’s the moment for John Degenkolb to open fire. The German outsprints Michael Matthews and takes his fourth stage win this Vuelta.