Bernal wins stage 16 at Vuelta a Espana

Egan Bernal claimed a fantastic stage victory at the Vuelta a Espana from the stage 16 breakaway.

The Colombian national champion secured his first Grand Tour stage win since 2021 in impressive style, climbing to the fore in the day's break, before besting a two-up sprint against Mikel Landa (Soudal - Quick-Step).

The stage situation evolved on the run-in, with the finish line moved to eight kilometres to go due to a protest on the final climb. Bernal stayed cool to take the victory, which marks his biggest success since returning from a near career-ending crash in 2022. 

After a huge initial fight to get up the road, Bernal was supported in the day's breakaway of 17 riders by Bob Jungels. The Luxembourg rider continued his strong showing at the Vuelta with sixth place on the stage, finishing as part of the second group on the road.

A second successive stage in the break saw Bernal continue to move back up the GC, now sitting 12th overall.