Greig Leach

It is hard to believe, but today was John Degenkolb's first Tour de France stage win. I may need to verify that one. Degenkolb, a pure sprinter, came to the line with two classics riders, more puncheurs than sprinters. Even though he was forced to launch his sprint from the front, neither Greg Van Avermaet (BMC) nor Yves Lampaert (Quick Step) were coming around the powerful German. Van Avermaet increased his lead to 45 seconds over Ian Stannard (Sky) and the rest of the GC men. BMC at least still has a Maillot Jaune to celebrate after a very depressing stage for their team leaders. Peter Sagan (Bora Hansgrohe) took out the sprint for fourth in the chasing group, thus further solidifying his lead in the Maillot Vert.