"Isaac defended the pink jersey with character" - UAE boss proud of the young Mexican

It was a day full of bad news for UAE Team Emirates - XRG manager Mauro Gianetti. Although his team continues to carry the pink jersey on their shoulders, the GC position of Isaac del Toro is no longer comfortable. On the final climb San Valentino, cracks in the Mexican's armor emerged quickly after Richard Carapaz launched his offensive.

"We are here with two young riders. Today was an incredibly tough stage with a lot of elevation. Isaac really defended the pink jersey with character. That makes it a good day for us, I think," Gianetti opens in front of the Eurosport camera.

Until stage 16, UAE could lean back at the prospect of having Juan Ayuso also on provisional podium, ready to take over in case Del Toro folds under the pressure. However it was the more experienced Spaniard who showed a weakness first, losing contact already on the penultimate ascent Santa Barbara.

"Ayuso didn’t feel well from the start of the stage, he really struggled in the cold weather. And he also lost time along the way, until he finally couldn’t follow on the Santa Barbara. It is what it is," Gianetti resigned. "But we are still in the lead with Isaac del Toro. The competitors are very close after today. We will see what will happen in the coming days."