Tejay van Garderen of the BMC Racing Team remained within striking distance of the overall lead Friday at Vuelta al Pais Vasco after enduring three ascents of a challenging climb in the final 20 kilometers.

Van Garderen finished 11th, 26 seconds after race leader Sergio Henao (Team Sky) on the 155.5-km stage that was won solo by Mikel Landa (Astana Pro Team). With only Saturday's 18.3-km individual time trial to go, van Garderen is ninth, 36 seconds off the lead.

"We think a top five finish is still possible for Tejay," BMC Racing Team Sport Director Yvon Ledanois said.

BMC Racing Team's Samuel Sánchez finished 21st, 1:26 back. He is one minute off the overall lead in 14th place. Teammate Darwin Atapuma was also in the top 25 on the day, finishing 22nd, 1:37 back.