Degenkolb was fastest at the line at the end of the 246km Vattenfall in Germany, making it 19 wins for the Team Argos-Shimano men’s team in 2013.

The victory was Degenkolb’s second win of the year and today, like in Giro d'Italia, he profited from strong team work. They brought him into a good position at the end and he perfectly finished off the job.

 
Four riders got away from the peloton early on before they gradually were reeled back in. After the breakaway was reeled in, more attacks were initiated including a dangerous four man move which was neutralised just inside the final 10km. The team were hit by a crash involving Koen de Kort (NED) but held their nerve at the finish to drop Degenkolb off to beat Andre Greipel (Lotto Belisol) at the line.
 
“The team did a great job the whole day today,” said an ecstatic Degenkolb at the finish. “I felt really good during the race and had some power left at the finish and the team believed in me today. On the run-in the team were great. We had to bring back a strong move and then they dropped me of perfectly for the sprint. It was a hectic one as it was quite narrow but that is the perfect sprint for me. If the sprint was after 180km I wouldn’t have been able to win, but after such an exhausting long race I could do it.
 
Degenkolb is very happy about winning the race and calls it one of the biggest wins in his carrier.

“In the final metres I followed my instinct and began the sprint with 220m to go and it was just the right time for me to hold on and beat Greipel. This win is a big highlight for me, winning one of the biggest races in my own country means a lot to me.”
 
Coach Rudi Kemna is very happy about the outcome of Vattenfall. The team had a plan and they followed it perfectly.

“We put together a good plan today and everything went as planned,” said coach Rudi Kemna, “There was a breakaway containing four riders and we helped to control the peloton. After we brought them back, a group of 15 got away. Koen [de Kort] was at the front and we could save some energy at the back.
 
“When everyone was back in the peloton at the end, Roy Curvers (NED) and Bert de Backer (BEL) brought John [Degenkolb] into a great position. John started the sprint early and that is when he is at his best, it is really difficult to beat him once he’s going. Also the finish suited him well, being tricky with all the corners and slightly uphill. The boys did what they had to do and at the right moments, and showed confidence today. This is the first WorldTour one-day race win for Team Argos-Shimano.”