In Bavaria, Sam Bennett (Bora Argon) managed to upstage local star John Degenkolb.  The Irish rider won the sprint ahead of Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis).  Degenkolb, riding for the Giant-Shimano team and the winner this year of Paris-Roubaix and Milan-San Remo, could only manage 3rd place.  IAM Cycling had some skin in the game for this sprint stage with Jonas Van Genechten taking a strong 7th place.

After crossing the line in Waldassen, the Belgian rider for IAM Cycling explained that the day was made difficult not necessarily because of the length (221km), but rather because of its very fast and tortuous final. 

“The stage was not easy because of the parcours and how fast we rode it,” Van Genechten said.  “It went up and down all the time.  For me, the distance was not a problem.  The weather was good, and so it was excellent preparation for me for the future.  

"However, we had to be very vigilant in the final.  Larry Warbasse and Jonathan Fumeaux were very active in the last kilometers to control the group and help me to place myself well.  The whole final section was on a false flat descent, so we grabbed a lot of speed on it.  There was a turn in the final, and when I had to brake 500 meters from the line, I knew my chances for victory were ruined.  Seventh place is fine, but I am disappointed because I have the condition to play for the win.”

The sports management for the team sees the result for the first stage in a very positive light, even if there is no victory bouquet to show for it. 

“For us, it was an interesting day,” confirmed Eddy Seigneur, directeur sportif for this German race along with Mario Chiesa.  “Jonas Van Genechten made as of a good sprint as he could.  He had to fight for his position himself, and his place at the finish is very respectable.  It was a kamikaze sprint in view of the speed they were going. 

"As for the rest of the team, there are only positive things to take away from today.  Thomas Degand and Stefan Denifl are in recovery mode, so we won’t put any pressure on them, but they are holding their own very well as it is.”