Argos Shimano's John Degenklob won the fifth stage of the Vuelta a España today.
Today's 168km stage saw the riders facing eight laps of a 21 kilometre circuit around Logroño, on the banks of the Ebro river.
From the start, Javier Chacon of the Andalucia team attacked and stayed away on a very slow day, getting ten minutes ahead before he was caught with twenty six kilomteres to go, some twenty after the riders had decided to start racing.
The peloton was all together for the final lap. Omega Pharma Quick Step were on the front, whilst Alberto Contador was at the back with his Saxo Bank team.
With three kilometres to the finish, Chris Froome took a turn at the front.
Riders were all over the road as the lead repeatedly changed hands. John Degenklob went to the front withDaniele Bennati, delivered by their team whilst Ben Swift sat up after realising that he was blocked and Degenklob won in a time of 4.10.37.
Gianni Meersman was third with Ben Swift 19th
Degenklob said to Eurosport: "it was so fast. My team got me into a good position but it was crazy. I'm speechless and cannot describe it."
Jaoquin Rodriquez keeps his leader's red jersey by a second from Chris Froome.
Tomorrow's stage is from Tarzaone to Jaca and 175.4kms long