Denmark's Mads Pedersen storms to victory as Slovenia's Primož Roglič hits the deck in the closing metres ©Getty Images

Denmark’s Mads Pedersen claimed his second stage victory of the Vuelta a España after emerging victorious from a dramatic sprint finish that saw title contender Primož Roglič of Slovenia suffer a heavy fall.

Roglič of Jumbo Visma was leading going into the final 500 metres and was in a five-way battle for victory in stage 16.

However, the Slovenian crashed just metres from the finish line when he appeared to touch the handlebars of British rider Fred Wright of Bahrain Victorious.

The crash failed to affect Trek-Segafredo’s Pedersen, who finished the 189.4 kilometres stage in 4 hours 45min 29sec.

Germany’s Pascal Ackermann of UAE Team Emirates came second, with Dutch rider Danny van Poppel of Bora-Hansgrohe taking third spot ahead of Wright.

"I didn’t hear [the crash]," said Pedersen.

"I wanted to go to him and I saw he was with destroyed clothing.

"It’s a pity that he crashed, he hasn’t been lucky this year.

"I hope he’s not too bad, so he can keep contending for the victory of La Vuelta."

Slovenia's Primož Roglič, who is second in the general classification, was treated to by medics following his crash ©Getty Images
Slovenia's Primož Roglič, who is second in the general classification, was treated to by medics following his crash ©Getty Images

Roglič had hoped to close the gap on overall leader Remco Evenepoel of Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl but his hopes were dealt a blow by the crash.

Belgium’s Evenepoel leads Roglič by 1:26 with five stages remaining.

"I heard that Primoz crashed, so I really hope he’s okay and that he can continue the race," Evenepoel said.

"We all know that Primoz is explosive so a final like this is really made for him.

"That makes it even more of a pity for him that he crashed.

"You never want somebody to crash."

Competition is due to continue tomorrow with the 160km 17th stage that runs from Aracena to Monasterio de Tentudia.