John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano) picked up his third stage win of the Vuelta a España, coming out on top in a sprint in the city of Logroño.
Despite struggling with injury, Degenkolb proved once again that he is the strongest sprinter in the race, and well worthy of wearing the green jersey.
Alberto Contador (Tinkoff-Saxo) retained the red jersey of the overall leader.
The early pace was set by Matthias Krizek (Cannondale), who set out on a solo breakaway almost as soon as the flag dropped.
At one point, the 25-year-old's lead grew to over 9 minutes, but FDJ, riding in support of Nacer Bouhanni, stepped up the pace on the front of the peloton.
Krizek made it onto the final lap, but by the 12-kilometre mark the catch had been made and the bunch could focus on the imminent sprint.
With a kilometre to go, Roberto Ferrari (Lampre-Merida) got things going, ramping up the pace.
Yauheni Hutarovich (Ag2r-La Mondiale) attempted to follow, but it was Ramon Sinkeldam who provided Degenkolb with the perfect lead-out.
Tom Boonen (OPQS) put up a strong challenge in the final metres but it was Degenkolb who came out on top.
“I feel great, I was hoping to win but I wasn’t overconfident,” said Degenkolb.
“I pushed for the sprint at the right time which was fundamental.
"The whole team did a great job.”
The Vuelta returns to the mountains on Friday, with the peloton tackling a 188.7 kilometre stage from Belorado to Obregón.