The crash came so early in the race it was not captured by TV or moto cameras but included Nicholas Roche (Sunweb), Víctor de la Parte (CCC) Neilson Powless, George Bennett, Tony Martin (Jumbo Visma), Rigoberto Uran, Hugh Carthy, Sergio Higuita and Logan Owen (EF Education First).
After experiencing a major high donning the leader's jersey after Stage 2 until he surrendered it to Miguel Angel Lopez on Stage 5, Roche was devastated with his abandonment.
“There’s not much to say," Roche said. "I think this is one of the biggest disappointments I’ve had in my career.
"I’d worked so hard to get back to this level and it was a new opportunity to show that I was at this level again.
While the Irishman was cleared of any serious injury - but did require 10-12 stitches in his left forearm - De la Parte wasn't so lucky.
"He was immediately taken to hospital where X-rays revealed a fractured scapula and rib on his left side," CCC team doctor Dr. Daniele Zaccaria said.
“Fortunately, the scapular fracture will not require surgery but, he will require around 40 days of rest before getting back to training. Due to the time of the year, with only two months of the season left, we will advise him to be patient, take things slowly and focus on recovery so that he is healthy and ready for the next season.”
Sitting sixth overall, it was Rigoberto Uran's second crash at this year's Vuelta, this one causing more damage to he and Hugh Carthy.
“Hugh has broken his left collarbone and will need surgery to repair it," EF's team doctor Rick Morgan said. "Rigo has also broken his left collarbone, just past the plate that was placed on the bone from the break he suffered in March [at Paris-Nice]. He has also broken his shoulder blade in several places."
The Colombian was philosophical about leaving.
“Us riders, we are used to having these crashes so we know what it takes to recuperate from them," he said.
"There’s no other option, we just have to take some time out and recover to then come back. I’ve learned a lot about this, each time you learn a bit more, you go out there hoping not to crash or at least to not break anything.”
Higuita and Owen continued in the race but both required attention, Owen some sewing up, Higuita a sore lower back.
While Jumbo Visma's men involved in the crash were able to return to the peloton, Martin was visibly missing some bark.
“It was not our best day," Jumbo Visma's Grischa Niermann said. "Luckily, we got out of it pretty well and they were able to return in the peloton quickly. That we had Robert in the break was ideal for us. That way we didn't have to chase and we could save some energy.
"Primoz (Roglic) has had a fairly calm day and is in a good position. The team was very strong again and that gives us confidence for the next days."
Tejay van Garderen continued EF Education First's Stage 6 woes, crashing on the final descent. He too returned to the race, but suffered heavy road rash and an injured finger.
