Gent-Wevelgem: John Degenkolb outpaces Demare and Sagan

German rider John Degenkolb beat Arnaud Demare and defending champion Peter Sagan in a bunch sprint finish to claim the Gent-Wevelgem classic in Belgium.

Cannondale's Sagan launched himself within sight of the line but was beaten into third by Giant rider Degenkolb, 25, and FDJ's Demare, 22.

Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas crashed near the end of the 233km route.

Fellow Briton Ian Stannard also crashed during a race that twice climbed the Kemmelberg, an iconic cobbled incline.

Welshman Thomas, 27, came in four minutes 28 seconds behind Degenkolb to finish 112th, two days after taking third at the E3 Harelbeke.

Team-mate Stannard, 26, did not finish the race, and was taken to hospital for medical assessment.