The sixteenth stage offered another chance for the breakaway riders. An eager Van Aert was again part of the day's breakaway. The leader in the points and KOM classification had sixteen fellow escapees with him. Van Aert reached the top of the first climb of the day first. He was also the first rider to reach the top of the second climb of the day, the Collada Llomena.  

Meanwhile, light rain caused a wet road. On the descent, things went wrong for Van Aert. Following the lead of another rider, the Belgian slid down in a bend, then hit the rock face. After trying to continue his way, he appeared to be in too much pain. The triple stage winner was taken by ambulance to hospital for further examination.

Sports director Grischa Niermann: “Wout was taken to hospital by ambulance. There he will undergo examinations. Of course we are so sad seeing him leave the Vuelta in this manner. Luck has not been on our side this season. We all feel for him.”  

The race continued. On the final climb to Lagos de Covadonga, Kuss again made a good impression. The 29-year-old American finished seventeenth, close to the other general classification competitors. He moves a little closer to a place in the top ten in the general classification again.