In another bunch sprint, John Degenkolb sprinted to a 7th place at today’s stage 3 in the Bayern Rundfahrt. Sam Bennett won the stage and takes over the lead in the General Classification.

The 205.9km hilly course proved to be a grueling battle for the riders in the German stage race. With the leader’s jersey in the team, Giant-Alpecin controlled the first part of the stage. Towards the finale the hilly climbs followed each other quickly as it became an exciting race.

After different attacks the stage eventually ended in a bunch sprint on the ascending finish in Ebern. Sam Bennett (Bora – Argon 18) was the fastest again and took his second sprint win of the week. Degenkolb sprinted to a 7th place. Bennett is the new leader in the General Classification.

Coach Christian Guiberteau said: “Tom [Veelers] controlled the pace until the feeding zone. After that, Team Columbia made a strong move to increase the pace on one of the climbs as the bunch broke up in several groups. Only Tom and Ramon [Sinkeldam] (punctured) missed the first group.

“Towards the local circuits everything came back together. On 500m John lost Ramon but eventually could make it to the wheel of Bouhanni. In the last corner, John was posted on the wrong side and was blocked.

“The guys did a good job, we only missed a bit of luck in the sprint today. On Sunday’s stage there will be another chance for us.”