The Giant-Shimano rider crossed the finish line at the end of the 180 kilometres ride from Priego de Cordoba to Ronda in 4 hours, 41min 47sec just ahead of Frenchman Nacer Bouhanni in second, who claimed Degenkolb blocked his passage during the sprint, and Moreno Hofland of The Netherlands in third place.

Bouhanni appealed to race officials after he became trapped between Degenkolb and the barriers and was unable to break free for a potentially winning sprint but the German remained the stage winner.

"I don't think I changed my line," Degenkolb said.

"I stayed from the beginning on the right and if he wants to pass he has to go on the left side because there was enough space."

Michael Matthews extended his overall lead to 13 seconds over Nairo Quintana
©AFP/Getty Images


Australia's Michael Matthews retained the overall leader's red jersey after finishing inside the lead group to extend his lead to 13 seconds over Colombian favourite Nairo Quintana and 20 seconds over Alejandro Valverde of Spain.

Tomorrow's stage six is a 167.1km hill-climb ride from Benalmádena to La Zubia, featuring the 1,200 metre category-one Alto Cumbres Verdes peak - a leg that Matthews fears could lose him the red jersey.

"From the start it's going to be pretty difficult because I think a lot of guys will be wanting to go on a breakaway," he admitted.

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