Stage seven of the 2012 Vuelta a Espana ended in a sprint finish at the Motorland Aragon. 

John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano) the latest German sprint sensation following the success enjoyed by countrymen Andre Greipel and Marcel Kittel, was first across the line, wearing the green jersey of points category leader.

Britain’s Team Sky, including team leader, Chris Froome, again mobilised for Ben Swift, but the young sprinter found himself swamped and finished nineteenth.

Here’s a gallery of images with the key moments of the stage from official UCI WorldTour photographer, Stefano Sirotti.

The barren setting of the Motorland Aragon provided the location for the denouement of stage seven

Team Sky, led here by Juan Antonio Flecha, Chris Froome, and Edvald Boasson Hagen, rode for Ben Swift (fourth wheel)

Despite the British team’s efforts, John Degenkolb took his third win of the Vuelta. Elia Viviani shows his frustration

Degenkolb must be on first name terms with podium girls by now

 A quiet stage for Joaquim Rodriguez saw him safely home for another day in the red jersey of race leader