Sagan second again as Ruben Plaza claims Tour de France stage 16 in Gap

Spain's Ruben Plaza claimed victory after an opportunistic attack ©Getty Images

Slovakian national champion Peter Sagan was today forced to settle for second place on a stage at the 2015 Tour de France for the fifth time.

He was once more beaten as Spain’s Ruben Plaza claimed victory at the end of the 201 kilometres stage 16 from Bourg-de-Péage to Gap.

Both riders formed part of 27-man breakaway which established itself almost from the start, setting the tone for an aggressive day of racing with the route offering ample opportunities to launch attacks on either the ascents or descents.

It did not take long for the breakaway to splinter with the lead group consisting of 12-riders forming ahead of the intermediate sprint, which Sagan claimed with ease to increase his overall lead in the points classification as he looks to secure his third straight green jersey.

The Slovakians main target, however, is to claim his first stage victory at the race since 2013.

He showed his intent by setting a rapid pace on the descent down the Col de Cabre afte 130km of the stage.

Australia’s Adam Hansen, bidding to complete his 12th consecutive Grand Tour, and Austrian champion Marco Haller attacked at 177km.

As they approached the Col de Manse the break came back together again, however.

Plaza was able to make the decisive attack on the final stage before the second rest day, climbing clear of his companions about 12km for the finish as they approached the summit and began to build a substantial lead.

The 35-year-old was able to hold to claim victory in 4 hours 30m 10sec, despite fearless descending from Sagan down the mountain pass towards the finishing line in Gap.

The Slovak eventually finished 30 seconds behind the winner as he continues to seek that elusive stage victory.

Slovakia's Peter Sagan came second for the fifth time at the 2015 Tour de France ©Getty Images

“I was again very close, I'm glad because I was going for second place,” Sagan stated.

“No, I'm joking.

“I really don't know what I should do better, I tried everything.

“I knew I had to try as hard as I could in the descent even if it meant dying, I was the one pulling in the climb because nobody wanted to race with me.”

Once again, Britain’s Chris Froome lost no time on his major rivals, weathering attacks from Spanish pair Alberto Contador and Alejandro Valverde.

A spirited move did see Italy's defending champion Vincenzo Nibali, however, peg 26 seconds back on the race leader.

He is still not really a threat to Froome, though as he remains 7min 49sec behind in eighth place.

Froome progressed throughout the day without any major concerns but Team Sky colleague and fellow Briton Geraint Thomas was fortunate to avoid injury and be able to finish the stage, colliding with a telegraph pole during the descent having been diverted off-course by France's Warren Barguil.

Froome’s biggest rivals continue to be Colombia’s Nairo Quitana and America’s Tejay van Garderen, 3:10 and 3:32 respectively behind the Briton.

The race will resume on Wednesday following the final rest day, with fearsome climbs on the 161km stage 17 between Digne-les-Bains and Pra Loup set to provide opportunities for a general classification contender to attempt to cut Froome’s advantage.