Mäder takes over Bahrain's Vuelta aspirations as Landa and Buitrago crack on first summit finish

The first mountain stage of the Vuelta a Espana had a negative net for Bahrain - Victorious, who have lost two of their possible GC contenders in Mikel Landa and Santiago Buitrago. The GC aspirations of the team now sit in Gino Mäder.

The Swiss rider has finished inside the main GC group on the sixth stage of the Vuelta. He now sits in 13th position in the overall classification and will likely be aiming to replicate or improve on his fifth place of last year where Bahrain thrived in the GC. The Swiss has struggled through much of this season, only with a second place at the Tour de Romandie to show for, but his form seems to be returning.

The day however as seen Mikel Landa struggle deeply, and loose almost six minutes to Remco Evenepoel. The Basque had hinted that his form was far from it's best, and has seen that come to light yesterday as he fell out of a good GC position, as did Santiago Buitrago who attacked near the start of the final climb, but crossed the line almost five minutes after Jay Vine.

The team is now likely to prioritize stage wins with their two climbers that have lost time, alongside the likes of Fred Wright and Luis León Sánchez who have been showing good form throughout this first week.