Santiago Buitrago switches teams for the first time in 7 years: 'Step out of my comfort zone'

The August transfer window is fully open, and quite a few teams have announced exciting moves already. Santiago Buitrago and NSN Cycling are also joining in on the transfer frenzy. After seven years with Bahrain Victorious, the Colombian climber will join a new adventure team for 2027.

NSN Cycling is very clear as to why they signed the 26-year-old Colombian: “Buitrago will broaden the team’s roster and strengthen the team’s ambitions for the general classification in Grand Tours and stage races in the coming years,” according to a press release.

Team manager Kjell Carlström therefore refers to him as 'an important addition'. “For the NSN Cycling Team’s long-term sporting project, and we’re very happy that Santiago will be racing in the NSN jersey for the next three years. "Despite a seven-year career, Santiago, at just 26 years old, still has a long career ahead of him and room for further growth as a rider," said the Finnish former rider.

"In addition to his own leadership qualities, Buitrago’s climbing ability and experience will provide the NSN Cycling Team with greater tactical flexibility on the WorldTour calendar. "His arrival is part of the team’s ongoing investment in a roster capable of competing in various race formats, building on the team’s focus on sprinting and opportunistic racing in 2026," said Carlström.

It will take some getting used to for viewers, since we’ve seen Buitrago in action in the Bahrain jersey for seven straight years. “After seven years with Bahrain–Victorious, I felt it was time for a new challenge. I experienced a number of important moments there, during which I grew both as a cyclist and as a person, but I also wanted to step out of my comfort zone and find a different environment that would help me continue to develop.”

The Colombian said he was impressed by his new team’s sports project. “And by the confidence the team had in me from the start. I feel that we share the same ambition and that this is a place where I can continue to develop and compete for important goals.”

Buitrago also recognises that he still has plenty of room to grow. “So over the next three years, I want to keep making progress and become an increasingly well-rounded and consistent rider. My main goal is to remain competitive in stage races and continue to develop in the Grand Tours.”

"I'd like to compete for the general classification whenever I get the chance and help the team achieve the best possible results. I'm very motivated to start this new chapter and repay the team's trust in me with results," said the Colombian.