Movistar's Alex Dowsett has won the Bayern Rundfahrt race in Germany.
The final stage with British rider Alex Dowsett in the lead after his superb time trial victory, was a 197.8km stage from Haffurt to Nuremburg.
Ramierz, Chacon, Meintjes, Vorganov, Duijn, Mager and Veuchelen went 2.50 ahead after 75kms.
That extended to four minutes but was down to 1.02 with twenty six kilometres to go.
With six kilometres to go, the break was shut down and the sprint was on.
John Degenkolb of Giant Alpecin went for it and he won the stage in 4.40.38 beating Katusha's Rudy Selig and Irishman Sam Bennett with Dowsett finishing safely to take the overall victory.
"I'm good at losing yellow jerseys, so keep this makes me very happy," joked Dowsett to the Movistar press office. "It was impressive to see how the whole team works for you. Everyone worked out of their skin, 100%, practically from zero kilometre.
"We had a well planned strategy and Javi (Moreno) led us perfectly in the race, deciding good about what to do at all times so that there were no problems. All the guys in general have given the best they had;
"It was amazing that even three kilometres remaining, the Movistar Team was still pushing to ensure that the race finished in a sprint.
"When I crossed the line . bah, it has been amazing. Basically I did not have to do almost anything today.
"My next goal is to try to be on the team of the Tour de France. I hope to fight a place in the Tour, but before that are the National Championships and I would love to retain the white jersey for the time trials. The most immediate thing for me is to travel to Mallorca to train there and then certainly do the Tour of Switzerland before the British Championships. "
Stage winner John Degenkolb said: "It was a perfect day, everything went according to plan and I am very happy with this victory.
"The finale was hectic but the team did well. We stayed together and they guys laid down another good lead-out for me. From 200 meters I started the sprint and won.
"After my small mistake in the sprint of stage 3, by choosing the wrong side in the corner, this is a nice way to set things straight. It is never easy to win a second stage since everyone looks at us and it’s difficult with the pressure that is involved.”
"It was a special victory for me personally, this is close to where I grew up.”
Source: DSG
