Degenkolb shows off as a Classics specialist

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The queen stage of the Tour de Bretagne didn't create any major difference among the GC contenders, but the stage proved a great spectacle thanks to the aggressive Russian rider Arkimedes Arguelyes Rodriges (Itera - Katusha), who attacked three times on his way to Huelgoat. In the end, John Degenkolb (Thüringer Energie Team) doubled up, taking a second consecutive stage victory. Dutchman Jetse Bol (Rabobank Continental) kept the lead once again but not without putting a great effort into it.

With almost 100 kilometres to go, Arguelyes launched the first of his five attacks. There was a bit of a panic in the bunch as Bol stopped to answer the call of the nature right after that. The Russian got up to a 1:45 lead by himself but was eventually caught.

Martial Roman (U Nantes-Atlantique), Clément Mahé (Côtes d'Armor) and Laurent Le Gac (Bretagne team) were next off the front. The trio gained an gap that grew to five minutes in the steep hills in the centre of Brittany.

Arguelyes kept counter-attacking behind them, along with Dimitri Le Boulc'h and Guillaume Faucon from BigMat-Auber 93.

The numerous offensives brought the bunch back together at the entrance of the final circuit and others tried their luck at a move. A significant effort came from Gaël Malacarne (Bretagne-Schuller) but a flat tyre curtailed his endeavor.

With 10 kilometres to go, five riders broke clear: Franck Bouyer and Mathieu Claude (Bbox Bouygues Telecom), Sander Oostlander (Van Vliet), Degenkolb and the inevitable Arguelyes. Florian Morizot of BigMat-Auber 93 made it across by himself in an impressive pursuit.

After a long day at the office, the Rabobank team had to leave Bol to do most of the work to close the gap at the head of the bunch. The peloton eventually crossed the line five seconds behind the six breakaway riders.

As expected, Degenkolb was the fastest in the end. He enjoyed winning by a large margin over the spirited Arguelyes.

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