The Vuelta a España resumes after the second rest day with a stage that ought to suit the fast men, even if there are few ripples along the 180km road from Laredo to Santa Cruz de Bezana. The roll-out is at 12.49 local time, with the peloton due to hit kilometre zero at 13.00.
Odd Christian Eiking (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert) continues to lead this Vuelta a España, and the Norwegian should have another day playing Pascal Lino to Primož Roglič's Miguel Indurain tomorrow. He has 54 seconds in hand on Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) and 1:36 on Roglič, the favourite for overall victory.
General classification after stage 15
1 Odd Christian Eiking (Nor) Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux 59:57:50
2 Guillaume Martin (Fra) Cofidis 00:00:54
3 Primoz Roglic (Slo) Jumbo-Visma 00:01:36
4 Enric Mas Nicolau (Spa) Movistar Team 00:02:11
5 Miguel Angel Lopez Moreno (Col) Movistar Team 00:03:04
10 Felix Grossschartner (Aut) Bora-Hansgrohe 00:05:31
11 Aleksandr Vlasov (Rus) Astana-Premier Tech 00:06:04
12 Giulio Ciccone (Ita) Trek-Segafredo 00:06:16
13 Gino Mäder (Swi) Bahrain Victorious 00:06:47
14 Louis Meintjes (RSA) Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux 00:07:07
15 David de la Cruz (Spa) UAE Team Emirates 00:07:11
16 Juan Pedro Lopez Perez (Spa) Trek-Segafredo 00:11:08
17 Steven Kruijswijk (Ned) Jumbo-Visma 00:14:46
18 Rafal Majka (Pol) UAE Team Emirates 00:26:20
19 Rémy Rochas (Fra) Cofidis 00:26:35
20 Geoffrey Bouchard (Fra) AG2R Citroën Team 00:28:21
Roglič and Jumbo-Visma have been glad to spend a week out of the maillot rojo, though he was careful to point out that both Eiking and Martin are full value for their current positions on general classification. “The thing is, they’ve showed some really good efforts,” Roglič told Alasdair Fotheringham yesterday. “Especially on Sunday, Eiking’s whole team was super good and he definitely deserves to still have the jersey. Now, as the days go on, we will see what the outcome will be. But to be in the positions we are in now, everybody has to do some good rides and everyone deserves it.” Read Alasdair's full rest day interview with Roglič here.
(Image credit: Getty Images Sport)
The peloton is making its way through the neutralised zone en route to kilometre zero. The temperature is a pleasant 23°C on the Cantabrian coast.
-180km
The peloton hits kilometre zero and stage 16 of the Vuelta a España is formally underway.
There's a very brisk start to proceedings with an early flurry of attacks, but no move has gained traction just yet.
-173km
A crash in the peloton sees Enric Mas (Movistar) and Guillaume Martin (Cofidis) among the riders held up. It's not yet clear if they were among the fallers, but it appears that many riders have been caught up in this incident.
The peloton has split as a result of that crash. Meanwhile, four riders have succeeded in forging clear off the front. Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo) has been joined by Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka-NextHash), Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroen) and Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi).
-170km
Guillaume Martin and Enric Mas have returned safely to the peloton after that earlier crash, and it appears as though the bunch is slowing and reforming, while the four escapees are extending their advantage.
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash) and Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo) have a lead of 1:14 over the peloton, while Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH) is trying to bridge across alone to the break.
Giulio Ciccone (Trek-Segafredo) went down in the crash but the Italian is back on his bike and still in the race. The Abruzzese lies 12th overall at 6:16.
-167km
Jetse Bol has succeeded in bridging across to the escapees to make it a five-man front group. The peloton, containing the red jersey and the main GC contenders, is at 2:14. A third group is at 2:40, but seemingly making its way back up to the peloton after that early crash.
-165km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo) and Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH)
Peloton at 2:15
-158km
DSM and Groupama-FDJ control affairs at the head of the peloton, and the break's lead remains stable at 2:15.
Rudy Molard (Groupama-FDJ) was among the fallers in the earlier crash, and the Frenchman has been receiving treatment from the medical car at the rear of the peloton.
Enric Mas is safely back in the bunch after his earlier scare. The Mallorcan has looked the man most likely to challenge Roglič's pre-eminence thus far, and he lies just 35 seconds behind the favourite, although he struck a sobering note during Movistar's rest day press conference, noting that he had "no feeling at all that Roglič is going to be on the decline in the third week." He added: "I wouldn’t say he’s going to get better, though, either. But he’s one of the best riders in the world and I think he’s in a very good place, not tired at all." Alasdair Fotheringham has more here.
(Image credit: Getty Images Sport)
-150km
After 30km of racing, Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo) and Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH) have a lead of 2:15 over the peloton. The average speed so far has been a brisk 47.4kph.
-145km
Quinn Simmons, Jetse Bol, Stan Dewulf, Dimitri Claeys and Mikel Bizkarra are being kept on a relatively tight leash by the peloton, and their lead has been clipped back to inside two minutes on the approach to Beranga.
Deceuninck-QuickStep have also begun to take a controlling interest at the head of the peloton with a view to setting up a bunch sprint for Fabio Jakobsen. The green jersey is chasing a third stage win on this Vuelta and another haul of points to cement his lead in that classification.
(Image credit: Getty Images Sport)
Earlier crashes - and possible late frissons - notwithstanding, there is an air of the calm before the storm about today's stage, which precedes back-to-back summit finishes in Asturias that could define this Vuelta. The well-worn track up Lagos de Covadonga on Wedneday is followed by a new finale atop the Altu d'El Gamoniteiru.
-129km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo) and Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH)
Peloton at 1:44
Away from the Vuelta a España, Deceuninck-QuickStep have announced that Esports world champion Jason Osborne will join the team as a stagiaire for the remainder of the season. The 27-year-old from Mainz, Germany, recently won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in the lightweight double sculls but was always keen to develop his professional road racing career after the Olympics. Stephen Farrand has the full story here.
(Image credit: Deceuninck-QuickStep)
-114km
Simmons, Bol, Dewulf, Bizkarra and Claeys maintain a lead of 1:35 over the peloton as they approach Pámanes.
Egan Bernal (Ineos) lies 7th overall, 4:21 down on Eiking and 2:45 down on Roglič as the third week gets underway. The Colombian has been, by his own admission, short of his best on this Vuelta, even if there were perhaps faint signs of improvement as the second week drew on. He was circumspect about his and Adam Yates' prospects during Monday's rest day. "We’re feeling ok, so we still have some possibilities if we have the legs for the next week. I think anything can happen for sure," Bernal said. “If we have the legs and if we feel good, we would like to try something. We will see. But as I always say, first you need to have the legs to do something.” Read the full story here.
(Image credit: Getty Images Sport)
-103km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo) and Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH)
Peloton at 2:06
-97km
Into the final 100km for the five escapees, who maintain a buffer of almost two minutes on the peloton.
-93km
DSM, Groupama-FDJ and Deceuninck-QuickStep continue to hold the reins in the peloton on behalf of Alberto Dainese, Arnaud Démare and Fabio Jakobsen. 1:43 the gap to the break.
-90km
The peloton makes its way through the feed zone. The atmosphere is relaxed for the time being, but it could be a rather more frantic finale. The roads are exposed and conditions at the finish are 'gusty.' Speaking on Eurosport, Alberto Contador, who knows a thing or two about surprising post-rest day stages at the Vuelta, pointed out that the finale ought to be one for the sprinters but it's not as straightforward as it appears on paper.
-83km
DSM are riding with ambition on the head of the peloton in support of Alberto Dainese, who was second in La Manga on stage 8 and third on stages 5 and 13. The rippling finale could well suit the Italian, especially if Fabio Jakobsen's lead-out is unshipped. "It’s not an easy stage and it’s a bit tricky. We did the final 30k yesterday in the rest day and I liked it," said Dainese, who was succinct when asked what he needed to do to convert his placings into a victory: "I need to push a bit more on the pedals. It’s not easy but I’ll try."
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
-80km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo) and Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH)
Peloton at 1:38
Giulio Ciccone (Trek-Segafredo) has abandoned the Vuelta after he went down in the crash early in the stage. The Italian received treatment from the medical car as he returned to the bunch but his injuries have now forced him out of the race. Ciccone would surely have expected to move into the top 10 overall in the final week, but, for the second time this season, a Grand Tour that promised much is ended prematurely by a crash.
(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
-76km
The break is on the day's lone classified climb, the category 3 Alto de Hijas (4.2km at 6.5%) with a lead of 1:19 over the peloton.
The Lotto Soudal duo of Harm Vanhoucke and Maxim Van Gils attack from the bunch on the climb in a bid to forge across to the escapees.
Van Gils swings off and now Vanhoucke tries to bridge across alone to the escapees on the climb. The Belgian is onlu 26 seconds behind the break, which is approaching the summit.
-74.5km
Jetse Bol wins the sprint atop the Alto de Hijas. The five escapees crest the summit with 19 seconds in hand on Vanhoucke and a little more on the peloton.
-72km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo) and Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH)
Chaser at 0:20:
Harm Vanhoucke (Lotto Soudal)
Peloton at 0:30
-68km
Vanhoucke is still chasing alone, 21 seconds down on the five escapees, while the peloton is at 47 seconds.
Vanhoucke is sticking grimly to his task, and he is closing to within 10 seconds of the escapees. The tension has defused slightly in the peloton after that brief fizzle of pyrotechnics on the climb, and the red jersey group is now back at 1:20.
-65km
Harm Vanhoucke has accomplised his mission and made it across to the escapees. This sextet is 1:25 clear of the peloton.
A reminder of the names in the break: Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo), Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH) and Harm Vanhoucke (Lotto Soudal).
Rudy Molard (Groupama-FDJ) becomes the second rider to abandon today due to injuries sustained in that crash in the opening kilometres.
-61km
DSM, Groupama-FDJ and Deceuninck-QuickStep continue to lead the peloton, 1:39 down on the six leaders. Jumbo-Visma are clustered en masse around Primož Roglič near the head of the bunch. The GC battles are to come tomorrow and Thursday, but vigilance is the byword on the run-in here.
(Image credit: Getty Images Sport)
Sep Vanmarcke (Israel Start-Up Nation) has also abandoned the Vuelta as a result of the injuries he sustained in the early crash.
-58km
UAE Team Emirates turn the screw in the peloton on the unclassified ascent towards Yermo in a bid to shake out some of the pure fast men before a finale where Matteo Trentin will expect to feature.
-57km
UAE's forcing has slashed the break's lead to 50 seconds and has also lined out the peloton, with some gaps opening in the process.
UAE have managed to split the bunch on this climb, and Fabio Jakobsen has been caught on the wrong side of it... The gap is manageable for the time being and he has teammtes around him, but UAE are showing no signs of relenting.
-55km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo), Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH) and Harm Vanhoucke (Lotto Soudal)
Red jersey group at 0:43
Fabio Jakobsen group at 0:50
The Jakobsen group is losing ground on the main peloton. The Dutchman has 30 seconds to recoup, but he does have strongmen around him, including Zdenek Stybar, Florian Sénéchal and James Knox.
-53km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo), Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH) and Harm Vanhoucke (Lotto Soudal)
Peloton at 0:38
Fabio Jakobsen group at 1:08
For now, the primary focus is on whether Jakobsen can make it back on for an eventual bunch sprint, but this high speed, stretched-out peloton also poses the threat of further splits and gaps among the GC contenders...
-51km
The UAE-led bunch is 32 seconds down on the break, with Jakobsen et al trailing at 55 seconds.
-49km
Deceuninck-QuickStep are closing in gradually on the UAE-led bunch, but that last handful of seconds will not be straightforward to recoup.
-48km
Fabio Jakobsen's group has rejoined the peloton but the ordeal isn't over just yet. There are more unclassified climbs to come and UAE Team Emirates look minded to keep winding up the pace. The bunch is strung out in a long line, 28 seconds behind the escapees.
-45km
Odd Christian Eiking, Primož Roglič and Guillaume Martin are all tucked in towards the head of the peloton, 35 seconds down on the six escapees.
-43km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo), Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH) and Harm Vanhoucke (Lotto Soudal)
Peloton at 0:44
-40km
The escapees enter the final 40km clutching a lead of 37 seconds over the peloton, where UAE Team Emirates continue to pile on the pressure.
-36km
Vigilance is of the essence on this run-in for the GC contenders. The true battles are to come in Asturias in the next 48 hours, but vital seconds could easily be squandered due to a moment's inattention here. UAE continue to set the pace, 44 seconds down on the break.
The bunch is climbing from Puente San Miguel towards the bonus sprint at Santillana del Mar. UAE will surely try to use this terrain to put Jakobsen's climbing to the test once more...
-35km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo), Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH) and Harm Vanhoucke (Lotto Soudal)
Peloton at 0:53
-33km
UAE have been unable to reproduce their relentless forcing on this ascent, as demonstrated by the way the leaders have stretched their buffer out to 53 seconds. Jetse Bol clips away from the break to pick up the intermediate sprint.
-32km
UAE continue to lead the bunch but the pace is more measured for the time being, and the peloton is intact as it approaches the intermediate sprint. There are, of course, more rises on the run-in, and there is no guarantee that this finish will be contested by a full complement of sprinters.
-29km
Alpecin-Fenix have taken over at the head of the bunch after the sprint, with DSM and Groupama-FDJ contributing to the pursuit of the break.
-27km
James Knox returns to the head of the bunch on behalf of Deceuninck-QuickStep, who are finding common cause with Alpecin-Fenix, Groupama-FDJ and DSM to clip back the break's lead. UAE have receded from the front line for the time being after their vigorous show of forcing.
-26km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo), Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH) and Harm Vanhoucke (Lotto Soudal)
Peloton at 0:43
-24km
This coalition of the sprinters' teams sees the break's lead drop to 34 seconds.
-21km
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo), Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH) and Harm Vanhoucke (Lotto Soudal) are sticking gamely to their task, and they remain 33 seconds clear of the peloton, but they must know that they won't hold off the fast men on this finale.
-20km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo), Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH) and Harm Vanhoucke (Lotto Soudal)
Peloton at 0:31
DSM, Groupama-FDJ, Alpecin-Fenix and Deceuninck-QuickStep are all contributing at the head of the bunch. Although the break is still collaborating well, it is difficult to see how Simmons, Vanhoucke et al can fend off the seemingly inevitable bunch finish.
-16km
There is a series of short little climbs on this run-in, and while they ought not to discommode the sprinters, they might still provoke splits, so it's no surprise to see the yellow and black jerseys of Jumbo-Visma moving up. 27 seconds the gap to the break.
-15km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën), Mikel Bizkarra (Euskaltel-Euskadi), Dimitri Claeys (Qhubeka NextHash), Quinn Simmons (Trek-Segafredo), Jetse Bol (Burgos-BH) and Harm Vanhoucke (Lotto Soudal)
Peloton at 0:19
-12.5km
Harm Vanoucke has been distanced from the break under pressure from Bizkarra and Dewulf. Five men reman in front, 19 seconds clear of the bunch.
-11.5km
Jetse Bol attacks alone on the next rise and the Dutchman rides away from Simmons, Dewulf, Claeys and Bizkarra, but the bunch is closing in...
-11km
Bol is alone in front with a small lead over the Dewulf, Claeys, Bizkarra and Simmons, with the peloton at 16 seconds.
Claeys and Dewulf make it across to Bol. This trio has 11 seconds on the peloton, with Simmons, Bizkarra and Vanhoucke caught in no man's land in between.
-10km
Dewulf, Bol and Claeys continue to find common cause on this drag, but the bunch is on the cusp of pegging them back. Simmons, Bizkarra and Vanhoucke, meanwhile, have been swallowed up by the peloton.
-9.5km
Dewulf attacks alone, for the honour of being the last man standing, perhaps, if not the stage win. The peloton fans across the road and the gap briefly stretches to 14 seconds.
-8.5km
Dewulf is alone in front, while Claeys and Bol are about to be recaptured by the peloton. 17 seconds the gap.
-8km
Claeys and Bol have been caught by the bunch, which is now 19 seconds down on the lone leader Stan Dewulf.
-7km
Break:
Stan Dewulf (AG2R-Citroën)
Peloton at 0:19
-6km
Dylan van Baarle rides on the head of the peloton with Bernal and Yates on his wheel. Ineos are keen to avoid any late surprises here. 10 seconds the gap to the lone leader Dewulf.
-5km
Dewulf takes on the next rises on this run-in, and his pace - and lead - drop accordingly. Six seconds the gap.
-4.5km
Stan Dewulf is caught by the bunch. Pelotón agrupado.
-4km
Groupama-FDJ take up the reins on this run-in, with delegations from Bora-Hansgrohe and EF Education-Nippo also moving up...
-3km
Bora-Hansgrohe take over. There are still some corners in this finale, this is by no means straightforward...
Fabio Jakobsen is safely tucked in near the head of the bunch. Michael Matthews and Matteo Trentin are also well placed.
-2km
Team BikeExchange took it up brielfy but now Deceuninck-QuickStep assume their familiar role...
A group from EF move up on behalf of Magnus Cort, but QuickStep still lead with 1500m to go.
-1km
Tea BikeExhchange hit the front with a kilometre remaining...
Florian Senechal opns a small gap inadvertently butthen swings over... Then Alpecin-Fenix take over...
Jakobsen sits in third wheel off the final bend...
Jakobsen hits the front... Matteo Trentin follows but he won't come past him...
Fabio Jakobsen (Deceuninck-QuickStep) wins stage 16 of the Vuelta a España.
Jordi Meeus (Bora-Hansgrohe) led out the sprint, but Jakobsen timed his effort well to come around and take the win. Meeus held off Trentin for second place.
Michael Matthews took fourth ahead of Alberto Dainese (DSM).
Result
1 Fabio Jakobsen (Ned) Deceuninck-QuickStep 4:08:57
2 Jordi Meeus (Bel) Bora-Hansgrohe
3 Matteo Trentin (Ita) UAE Team Emirates
4 Michael Matthews (Aus) Team BikeExchange
5 Alberto Dainese (Ita) Team DSM
6 Jon Aberasturi Izaga (Spa) Caja Rural-Seguros RGA
7 Rui Oliveira (Por) UAE Team Emirates
8 Riccardo Minali (Ita) Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux
9 Antonio Jesus Soto Guirao (Spa) Euskaltel-Euskadi
10 Clement Venturini (Fra) AG2R Citroën Team
Odd Christian Eiking (Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert) finishes safely in the peloton to retain the red jersey.
General classification after stage 16
1 Odd Christian Eiking (Nor) Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux 64:06:47
2 Guillaume Martin (Fra) Cofidis 00:00:54
3 Primoz Roglic (Slo) Jumbo-Visma 00:01:36
4 Enric Mas Nicolau (Spa) Movistar Team 00:02:11
5 Miguel Angel Lopez Moreno (Col) Movistar Team 00:03:04
6 Jack Haig (Aus) Bahrain Victorious 00:03:35
7 Egan Bernal Gomez (Col) Ineos Grenadiers 00:04:21
8 Adam Yates (GBr) Ineos Grenadiers 00:04:34
9 Sepp Kuss (USA) Jumbo-Visma 00:04:59
10 Felix Grossschartner (Aut) Bora-Hansgrohe 00:05:31
(Image credit: Getty Images Sport)
Fabio Jakobsen, who celebrated turning 25 with his third win on this Vuelta, which buttresses his lead in the points classification: "A birthday is always a good day, but I’m over the moon with this win. I think what we saw today is the wolfpack. I was dropped on the climb, the guys waited for me, they brought me back and I won the race. The only thing I can do is win a short, fast sprint – they did everything else today."
(Image credit: Getty Images Sport)
Maillot rojo Odd Christian Eiking was asked if this was his easiest day as race leader to date: "In one way, maybe yes, but in another it was hard to restart after the rest day. But in the end, there were no really big difficulties I had to face. I felt pretty ok, but maybe a little bit sleepy from sleeping all day yesterday. I think Lagos De Covadonga is going to be really decisive in GC and it will be really hard racing from the start tomorrow. It will be really fun to race it."
(Image credit: Getty Images Sport)
(Image credit: Getty Images Sport)
Egan Bernal retains the white jersey of best young rider: “ I would like [to attack Roglic]. I have nothing to lose, I don't care to be fifth or tenth in the overall, but you need to have legs. In the Giro I was attacking from afar even as the leader, which shouldn't be done, but I felt strong and I like to ride like that. Let's see how I feel, if I feel good I'll move. We have a very strong team. Yates is also very well, I see him very strong, the problem is that we have lost two riders."
