Degenkolb sprints to fourth stage win in Vuelta

John Degenkolb of team Giant-Shimano gave another fine display of his sprinting prowess, taking his fourth stage victory of the Vuelta de Espana (Tour of Spain) cycle race.

The German rider, who had already won three stages, was the fastest rider once again over the finish line Wednesday, ahead of Michael Matthews (Orica Green Edge) and Fabian Cancellara (Trek), reports Xinhua.

The sprint specialist has now won an incredible nine stage wins in his two appearances at the Vuelta and will be favourite to win the green jersey for the rider with the best points total in the race.

The 191-km stage to La Coruna didn't have any mountain climbs for the riders and as such was never going to alter the leadership board.

The day started with Rigoberto Uran, who struggled with a virus in recent days and Haimar Zubeldia withdrawing from the race, while the rest of the stage went as expected with the day's escapees of five riders reeled in with plenty of time for Giant Shimano and Orica Green Edge to organise their sprint trains.

Alberto Contador remains race leader ahead of Alejandro Valverde and Chris Froome and they will renew their battle for the overall title Thursday's stage, which ends on another hilltop finish.