For the 2nd day in succession MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung had a rider in the break at the Bayern Rundfahrt. Today was the turn of Adrien Niyonshuti to go on the offensive as he formed part of the early 6 rider breakaway.
After going clear within the first 15km of the stage, the leading 6 riders would combine well together and muscled out a lead just over 6 minutes. It took a concerted chase by Cofidis and Bora-Argon before the gap started to decrease. Adrien and his fellow escapees would push the peloton deep into the stage but with strong sprinters in their midst, Giant-Alpecin, Cofidis and Bora-Argon kept plugging away.
Adrien would eventually drop from the break with 40km to go and be absorbed back into the peloton by the 25km to go point. The last 3 surviving members of the break would be reeled in with 10km to go to set up the sprint finish. John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin) would take the victory ahead of Nacer Bouhanni (Cofidis) and Enrique Sanz (Movistar)
MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung were going all in for Reinardt Janse van Rensburg during the sprint and after securing 8th during yesterday’s opening stage, Reinie would again penetrate the top 10 today by crossing the line 9th.
Reinardt Janse van Rensburg – Rider
Jens Zemke – Head of Performance
