Bahrain Victorious sees Damiano Caruso slip and suffer a fracture: Italian replaced by debutant in Vuelta

“Bahrain Victorious’ leader for La Vuelta 2025 is Antonio Tiberi,” the team announced clearly when laying out its roles. “I will have the same aim as at the Giro d’Italia: to target the final podium. The whole team believes in me, and that gives me a lot of confidence. I also trust my teammates, with whom I’ve worked very well in preparation for this race. We are here with a solid squad,” said the Italian.

This will be Tiberi’s fourth time racing the Vuelta, but this year feels different. “The course suits me better this time, with more long climbs rather than the short, steep ones of the past - those longer ascents suit me more. I’m focused on the general classification, so I don’t have a specific stage where I want to go for the win. I will always be ready and attentive. If on a mountain stage I feel good and there’s an opportunity, I will try to attack and go for a personal result.”

Alongside Tiberi, the team has also selected Santiago Buitrago. Like his Italian teammate, Tiberi also had to abandon the last Grand Tour he raced. The Colombian returns to the Vuelta to face the Angliru, where he placed eighth two years ago. “It’s the hardest climb I’ve done in my career. This year, I’d like to do better. It depends how we arrive there and what the team’s goals are. I recovered well after the Tour de France and my injuries, so I’m ready. The course suits climbers, and there are stages I’ve marked - like Andorra, close to home, and mythical climbs like Angliru and Bola del Mundo. Winning there would be unforgettable.,” said Buitrago.

Sporting director Franco Pellizotti broke down the rest of the lineup based on the route. “The course offers multiple opportunities for success, while keeping an eye on GC. Buitrago will have many chances in the mountains. Caruso, our road captain, is in top shape; Jack Haig, a former podium finisher, knows this terrain well; and Torstein Træen comes from a strong showing in Burgos.”

So while the main goal is the general classification with Tiberi, the team is keeping its options open. “With GC as our priority, we’ll also remain open to stage opportunities. Nicolò Buratti will contest sprints, while other Grand Tour debutants Mathijs Paasschens and Roman Ermakov will provide crucial support and seek breakaways. Overall, we have a well-balanced squad to fight on every terrain.”

Just before the start of the Vuelta, Bahrain Victorious announced that Caruso would not be able to start after all. “Unfortunately, Damiano Caruso will not be at the start of the first stage of the Vuelta a España in Turin tomorrow. The 37-year-old Italian rider suffered a fracture to his right hand last night after accidentally slipping on the ground.”

A replacement has already been named in the form of 22-year-old Brit Finlay Pickering, who will be making his debut in a Grand Tour.

Antonio Tiberi