A dramatic day in the Vuelta a Espana produced different reactions from Domenico Pozzovivo (Ag2r) and Thibaut Pinot (FDJ). While the Italian was happy to limit his losses on a stage that didn't suit him, Pinot was frustrated  that a breakaway once again decided the stage win.

Domenico Pozzovivo and Thibaut Pinot both had a good day on today's dramatic 16th stage of the Vuelta a Espana. Having finished 24th and 19th on the stage respectively, they defended their 5th and 8th places on GC.

The final climb Aramon Formigal was a fast one with easy gradients leading to a final steeper ramp to the finish. Pozzovivo usually thrives on steeper slopes an knew that it would be all about limiting his losses today. Having only lost 1 second to 6th placed Nicolas Roche (Saxo-Tinkoff), it was an accomplished mission for the Italian climber.

“It wasn’t a great stage for me on paper," he said. "I’ve done my best to keep my position. It’s a good performance. I’ll try and do great rides again in the mountains."

The day's drama was centred around race leader Vincenzo Nibali who lost unexpected time. It came as a surprise to most, including Pozzovivo.

"Today I expected a battle but I didn’t expect Nibali to lose because the climb suited him," he said. "He controlled the race well. He’s in a great shape. Many riders are tired. I’m not bad. Everything will be decided on the Anglirù.”

While Pozzovivo was entirely happy, Thibaut Pinot had mixed emotions. On one hand, he was happy to have finished alongside Chris Horner (Radioshack) but he felt that his legs would have been good enough to win the stage.

For the third day in a row, the win was taken by an escapee and even though his teammate Alexandre Geniez was the one to benefit yesterday, Pinot was left frustrated by his own lack of opportunities.

“I was really good today," he said. "I’m disappointed to not have been able to contest the stage win. I don’t understand why the leaders let a breakaway go in each mountain stage. It would also be nice to see a battle between the favourites. I finish nineteenth, it’s not great but I gain some time over my direct rivals. Only a few seconds are good for my morale. However, I’m disappointed to not have won a stage yet.”

The riders will enjoy a rest day tomorrow before getting back in action with a flat stage on Wednesday. Starting at 15.00 CEST you can follow that stage on CyclingQuotes.com/live.