Stage 16 of the Vuelta a Espana was one for the sprinters.
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Stage 16 of the Vuelta a Espana was one for the sprinters.
The 156km race from Alcaniz to Penisola began with the usual breakaway, this time six riders broke ranks and went up the road.
Simon Yates, fifth in the general classification, and Orica-BikeExchange teammate Sam Bewley were the only casualties of the day when they fell in the middle of the group. Fortunately the duo were not seriously injured and carried on with the race.
The peloton was in no mood for a grand chase and kept the breakaway on a leash of 3mins 3secs.
The escapees were eventually swept up by the main group with 12 kilometres remaining.
Tinkoff’s Daniele Bennati tried to take advantage of the roundabouts with an early dash for the line but was foiled in his attempt.
Gianni Meersman from Etixx-QuickStep also tried to go long but Jempy Drucker from BMC Racing timed his sprint to perfection to claim his first Grand Tour stage victory.
Chris Froome finished alongside Nairo Quintana and remains over three minutes behind the race leader.