Degenkolb wins brutal third stage in Dubai

Degenkolb collapsed to the tarmac after a lung-busting ascent to the Hatta Dam, having made his move at the foot of the 17% climb that marked the finale of the race's toughest stage.

Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) did his best to stay with Degenkolb but was unable to overhaul the German and finished second, with Valverde’s fellow Movistar rider Juan Jose Lobato third.

Degenkolb won by two seconds from Valverde, and leads the race by four seconds from Mark Cavendish, who finished 10 seconds back in the peloton.

But with a bunch sprint expected on Saturday's final stage, several riders still have realistic chances of overall victory.

1. John Degenkolb (Ger) Team Giant-Alpecin 4:50:40

2. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar Team

3. Juan Jose Lobato (Spa) Movistar Team

4. Filippo Pozzato (Ita) Lampre-Merida

5. Marco Canola (Ita) UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling

1. John Degenkolb (Ger) Team Giant-Alpecin 12:45:29

2. Mark Cavendish (GBr) Etixx - Quick-Step +4:00

3. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar Team +6:00

4. Juan Jose Lobato (Spa) Movistar Team +8:00

5. Alessandro Bazzana (Ita) UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling +11:00