The 16th stage led the remaining 170 riders in the Tour de France to Gap in the French Alps. The hilly terrain with two climbs of the second category just before the rest day was made for a larger breakaway group.

And as expected, 29 riders went clear already shortly after the start, including Jan Barta of BORA – ARGON 18. Further attacks in this group led to a division, from which Barta fell back, and later a renewed alliance of 23 riders that determined the day. Attacks in the final 30 kilometers led to changing race situations in this group. Ruben Plaza (Lampre Merida) finally made the decisive solo attack for the day's victory. Chris Froome (Sky) defended the yellow jersey.

"Just like yesterday it's been a very fast stage right from the beginning. Already in the first hour of racing the peloton completed 53 kilometers. Shortly after the start, a large breakaway group with 29 riders had formed, in which Jan was as well. The group then divided and four riders were dropped, including Jan. Furthermore, he then had a mechanical and couldn't catch up anymore, which meant we were not represented in that group. In the end, the peloton let the breakaway go, which decided the victory among themselves. Today we were simply not able to influence the race. Once again, our riders then tried to save energy because their was no position to fight for," said Enrico Poitschke.