CYCLING – TEAM Bahrain Victorious announced yesterday that Damiano Caruso will remain with the squad beyond his racing career, with the agreement signed on the final day of the Giro d’Italia in Rome.
The Italian, who has long signalled that 2026 would be his final season as a professional rider, will transition into a sports director role following his retirement from racing, ensuring his experience, leadership, and knowledge remain at the heart of Bahrain Victorious for years to come.
The announcement comes after another remarkable Giro d’Italia from Caruso.
At 38 years old, he once again demonstrated his enduring class, finishing ninth overall in the general classification (GC), claiming a podium finish on stage 17 and being recognised as the race’s Most Combative Rider after animating throughout the three weeks of competition.
While his performances on the road showed he remains capable of competing with the very best, Caruso’s influence extended far beyond his own results. Throughout the Giro, he played a pivotal role in supporting and mentoring Afonso Eulalio during a breakthrough grand tour for the young Portuguese rider.
Eulalio spent nine days in the Maglia Rosa as overall leader, secured the Maglia Bianca for best young rider, and finished sixth overall in the GC, with Caruso providing invaluable guidance and leadership throughout the race.
Over recent seasons, Caruso has become one of the team’s most respected figures, not only for his consistency and professionalism but also for the leadership qualities he brings to the group.
His willingness to support younger riders, share his experience, and help develop the next generation has made him an invaluable asset both on and off the bike. Having raced through multiple eras of professional cycling and remained competitive at the highest level, Caruso brings a unique perspective and understanding of the modern peloton.
His experience of racing alongside today’s generation of riders, combined with his natural leadership qualities, will add another valuable dimension to Bahrain Victorious’ sports director group.
Yesterday’s announcement does not signal the end of Caruso’s racing career just yet.
The Sicilian remains fully committed to his final season in the peloton and will continue racing throughout the remainder of 2026. With a Giro d’Italia stage victory, a Vuelta a Espana stage victory, and a runner-up finish at the 2021 Giro d’Italia already on his palmares, Caruso will continue chasing one final ambition before retirement: a stage victory at the Tour de France to complete a stage win at each grand tour.
“For me, this feels like a very natural step,” said Caruso. “I have been with Bahrain Victorious since 2019 and over the years this team has become much more than a team, it has become a family. Throughout that time I have always tried to help the younger riders, share my experience, and act as a bridge between the riders and the management, so in many ways this new role feels like a continuation of what I have already been doing.
“My career as a rider is not finished yet. I still have important goals for this season and I am fully committed to giving everything for the team until the very last race. I want to enjoy every moment of these final months in the peloton, make the most of every opportunity and finish this chapter of my career with the same passion and commitment that has always driven me.
“When the time comes to step off the bike, I know I will do so with no regrets and with excitement for this new chapter with Bahrain Victorious.”
&uuid=(email))