The right arm and right leg in particular seemed badly affected. The final of the 16th stage had started as planned for Roglic. The 32-year-old launched an impressive attack just a few kilometers before the finish line and gained a lot of time over his rivals.
“We knew this area was made for Primoz,” Engels said in a statement explaining the Dutch team’s strategy.
“Initially we aimed at winning the stage,” he revealed, “but the time gained was just as important to us. It was going according to plan until Primoz had bad luck in the last few meters.” The defending champion touched a competitor in the finish sprint, fell and then looked dazed.
Back to Spain
Crime on the queen stage: Roglic shortened once more to Evenepoel
UPDATE 09/04/2022 AT 3:42 PM
Teammate Mike Teunissen and his captain crossed the finish line in Tomares 47 seconds behind Mads Pedersen. However, Roglic was classified at the same time as the stage winner.
In shock: Roglic badly marked following a fall
Engels: “Not a good feeling”
The Slovenian thus gained eight seconds over the overall leader Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl), who, following a defect on his bike, only crossed the finish line following more than three minutes, but due to the three-kilometer rule he was classified at the same time as the first chasing group became.
“We didn’t even realize that Remco [Evenepoel, Anm. d. Red.] had a material problem when Primoz attacked,” explained sporting director Engels, praising the “incredibly strong final” of his star athlete at the Tour of Spain.
But: “In retrospect, there is no good feeling. Primoz made up time, but paid for it with a serious fall. Of course, the injuries to his body are not worth the eight seconds,” complained the Dutchman.
Evenepoel suffers with Roglic: ‘Hope he can continue’
Decision will be made on Wednesday
Evenepoel felt with his opponent following the race: “I wanted to go to him and I saw his broken jersey. He hasn’t had any luck this year. I hope it’s not too bad so he can keep fighting for victory in the Vuelta .”
Roglic was treated immediately following the stage by the Vuelta medical team and subsequently by the Jumbo-Visma team doctor. In the evening, the Dutch team gave an update on Twitter: “All investigations for today have been carried out.”
On Wednesday morning, the team will decide together with the doctor whether Roglic can continue to compete in the Vuelta and continue the hunt for Evenepoel and the fourth straight title in the Tour of Spain.
Vuelta a España: Assembly following the 16th stage
| Platz | driver | Team | time |
| 1. | Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) | Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl | 61:26:26 hours |
| 2. | Primoz Roglic (Slovenia) | Jumbo Visma | +01:26 |
| 3. | Enric Mas (Spain) | Movistar | +02:01 |
| 4. | Juan Ayuso Pesquera (Spanish) | UAE Team Emirates | +04:49 |
| 5. | Carlos Rodriguez Cano (Spain) | Ineos Grenadiers | +05:16 |
Highlights: Fall drama regarding Roglic in the Pedersen coup
Back to Spain
Groves triumphs in bunch sprint – Evenepoel defends red jersey
UPDATE 31/08/2022 AT 4:10 PM
Back to Spain
Time hunt on the 10th stage: The start list for the individual time trial
UPDATE 08/30/2022 AT 07:58 AM
