Sprinter Pascal Ackermann (Kandel) narrowly missed out on Germany's first stage victory in this year's Tour of Spain in a dramatic finale.
While the Slovenian Vuelta series winner Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) fell in the final sprint, the 28-year-old from UAE Team Emirates only had to admit defeat to former world champion Mads Pedersen (Trek-Segafredo) on Tuesday.
The Dane celebrated his second victory of the day.
In the last three kilometers of the 189.4 km long 16th stage from Sanlucar de Barrameda to Tomares, events had come to a head: After Roglic started on the short climb before the finish, the Belgian overall leader Remco Evenepoel (Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl ) fell behind with a breakdown.
In the last few meters of the final sprint, a group of five led by Ackermann and Pedersen then fell and Roglic fell, covered in blood and had to be treated in the finish area.
It is unclear whether Roglic can compete in the 17th section on Wednesday.
In the overall standings, Evenepoel, who is the first Belgian in 45 years to win the overall standings of the Tour of Spain, leads Roglic by 1:26 minutes.
The 22-year-old broke down within the last three kilometers, Evenepoel was eight seconds behind Roglic at the finish.
Third is Spanish local hero Enric Mas (Movistar/2:01).
The 17th stage on Wednesday offers breakaways great chances of a day's victory.
The hilly course takes the peloton over 162.3 km from Aracena to Monasterio de Tentudia.