Degenkolb puts his Jagger-like moves on one of the podium pretties for Stage 7 of the Vuelta. Word is he “scored the digits.” (Photo courtesy AP/Alvaro Barrientos)

Sources close to Degenkolb have admitted he’s been serenading podium girls with his rendition of Maroon 5′ s hit song, “Moves Like Jagger,” that includes full choreography, a wink, and a smile. Degenkolb has been seen handing off his “digits” to the smitten podium contingent staffing this year’s Vuelta.

“Not only is the lad killing it on his Felt bike, but he’s really smoking the dance moves behind the scenes before the podium presentations. I’m majorly impressed with his leg work. Mick Jagger should worry about his shake-n-bake dance title,” admired an anonymous team mechanic.

Degenkolb’s teammates are also enjoying his performances on and off the bike. Simon Geschke, in particular, has marveled at the sprinter’s fancy footwork.

“I thought I’d seen it all with Bert’s massive hairdo, but John’s dance steps and vocals at the hotel and on the podium certainly top the best de Backer has mustered at races this year,” commented Geschke.

It seems, however, the downside of the Argos-Shimano stage winner’s exploits has been a hassle for his roommate, Koen de Kort. While de Kort himself wouldn’t directly discuss the German’s habits at the hotel, he did admit Degenkolb’s constant phone calls, Skype chats, and yelling out the window was “disruptive to my resting habits.”

“I’m very happy for John. He’s quite a talented teammate, and I’ve enjoyed shepherding and protecting him for his wins. His enthusiasm for our teammwork is awesome. I just hope his status with the ladies dies down just a little. I can only handle hearing ‘Moves Like Jagger’ so many times while he’s on the phone. Not to mention it’s his ringtone now,” relayed de Kort.

Degenkolb, while enjoying the spotlight, was a little embarrassed by this “playa” status bestowed upon him by Liquigas sprinter Elia Vivani.

“Playa? Wow. I’m not sure I deserve the title, but I wouldn’t mind exploring the definition of the term over a nice candlelight dinner with Eurosport’s Laura Meseguer. I’m not sure if that means I’m a “playa,” but I’m certainly enjoying the scenery here in Spain, if you know what I mean,” declared Degenkolb.

The Vuelta hits the high mountains for Stage 14, which will give Degenkolb  plenty of time to work on his karaoke skills during the gruppetto singalong. The podium ladies are anticipating quite a show after Saturday’s stage, which promises to be just another stop on the Argos-Shimano sprint clinic in Spain.

Peter Sagan, Daniel Oss and Elia Viviani in an example of "lewd" behavior according to the Omani Government (Photo by Bettini, courtesy of cyclingnews.com)

The government of Oman – known for its censorship of Internet sites that are deemed “pornographic” – also engages in the active monitoring of all cell phones, Web chat rooms, and social media platforms to prevent the exchange of anti-government information and “lewd behavior.” Noted member of the cycling team 1t4i, Simon Geschke, even took to Twitter to issue a veiled warning earlier in the week to those heading to Oman.

However, it didn’t prevent the detention of the Liquigas team, when star sprinter Peter Sagan allegedly sent another sauna photograph to Daniel Oss, in what seems to be a running team joke that started at training camp. Oss, in turn, allegedly sent them to fellow teammates. The photos in question were tagged “Full Moon,” “Trouser Snake,” and “Old Red Eye.”

“While this behavior may be acceptable in other regions, we expect that the cycling people respect our laws and customs while riding on our soil. We have paid extravagant dollars to the UCI in order to project a friendly tourist environment, and this pornographic behavior is a spit in the face,” commented Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, the Oman foreign affairs minister.

Robert Amadio, Liquigas team manager, commented to the press from Italy, “We are working through diplomatic channels as we speak. This is all a big misunderstanding. We gather that should the right people be spoken to, we will have the team ready for the first stage tomorrow without any additional trouble.”

UCI president Pat McQuaid was blunt on the subject.

“Look, these boys need to understand that they have to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. This isn’t some sort of American university frat party. This isn’t American Pies. This is cycling. And if they want to race, they have to abide by the rules of all the oppressive regimes where we set up our races,” stated McQuaid.

Fellow members of the peloton were quick to defend the Liquigas team. However, rumors of a “set up” by Tyler Farrar to “tilt sprint victories in his favor” by having Sagan, Oss, and the Liquigas team detained were hinted by unnamed RadioShack-Nissan team members.

Stage one of the Tour of Oman starts from the Royal Palace on Tuesday, and should have team Liquigas at the start.