CYCLING – WITH the 2025 Giro d’Italia entering its final week, Bahrain Victorious have announced extension of contract of road captain Damiano Caruso.
The 37-year-old currently occupies sixth position on the GC after 15 stages and has been Antonio Tiberi’s ever-reliable right hand man throughout the ‘Corsa Rosa’ race.
With 80 podiums in a 20-year career, including at the Giro in 2021, Caruso has been an integral part of the Bahrain roster since 2019.
“For me this was the easiest decision to make,” the Sicilian said. “To continue with this team, where I have had the most beautiful years of my career … I wouldn’t wish to be riding anywhere else.”
Technical director Vladimir Miholjevič said: “Damiano has shown his quality again and again – including now on the Italian roads. We are extremely happy that he will remain our rider for the 2026 season. Both sides were extremely keen to make this happen despite his age; maybe even more because of that experience and what he brings as a result. ”
“He still has the character and enthusiasm of a young rider, but is able to transmit so much know-how to the newer guys, and we would like him to help us bring on the younger generation that is coming through.”
Managing director Milan Eržen added: “Damiano’s commitment to the team is unbelievable and he is an amazing example of what you can achieve with hard work. This extra year as a rider means he can continue what he has been doing for us since 2019 – passing on so much knowledge to the young guys”
Miholjevič said: “As a rider and as a person Damiano deserves our full trust and his place here with us. We love having him here, and we look forward to this relationship continuing.”
A stage winner at the Vuelta a España and Giro d’Italia, and with a total of nearly 30 victories over a glittering career, Caruso is one of the most respected cyclists in the peloton.
&uuid=(email))