Despite a headache of sponsorship issues, the Bahrain McLaren team took a major step toward solidifying its roster for 2021 by extending contracts to nine riders, though not including Mark Cavendish.

The team, founded in 2017 by Bahraini prince Nasser bin Hahmed Al Khalifa, was registered as Bahrain Victorious for 2021 following McLaren's withdrawal. The car company suffered financially during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

On Sunday, Bahrain McLaren announced that nine of its current riders will remain until 2021, making up about a third of the team. The riders covered are: Yukiya Arashiro, Phil Bauhaus, Chun Kai Feng, Heinrich Haussler, Mark Padung, Hermann Pernsteiner, Marcel Sieberg, Jan Tratnick, and Stevie Williams.

"Despite the fact that 2020 was such a volatile year, they remained 100% focused. [There is a sense of camaraderie among the team as we close out the year. We have always been a rider-first team, and the riders who give their all on the bike are supported by a staff that is equally committed to their success."

Mark Cavendish, a 30-time Tour de France stage winner, had no room to participate in this contract extension. Although Ellingworth did not rule out Mark Cavendish staying on last month, the contract extension is the latest indicator that Mark Cavendish's future is far from the team.

Bauhaus is backed as lead sprinter, and his lead outman, fellow German Seeberg, also signed another year at age 38.

Haussler turned 36 in February and is one of three riders, along with Arajo and Feng, who have been with the team since its inception as Bahrain-Merida in 2017. Tratnick, Padun, and Perrnsteiner renewed their strong performances in the Giro d'Italia, with Tratnick taking a stage win, Perrnsteiner finishing 10th overall, and the 24-year-old Padun helping Perro Bilbao finish fifth overall.

The team also put its faith in Williams after the Welshman's first professional season was ruined by a knee injury; the 24-year-old returned to racing in August for the first time in 16 months, riding 10 stages of the Vuelta a España.

Bahrain McLaren had already extended the contract of Dylan Theuns and acquired Jack Haig from Mitchelton Scott.

Leaving the team are Enrico Battaglin (Bardiani-CSF) and Ivan Garcia Cortina (Movistar).