Victorious Target Podium in Italy

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain Victorious have arrived in Italy to begin their annual Italian racing block, which includes Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico, and culminates with Milano–Sanremo. The 2026 campaign begins with the Trofeo Laigueglia (1.Pro) today, marking the team’s return to the race for the first time since 2021.

The 192 km Trofeo Laigueglia, now in its 63rd edition, combines classic tradition with new challenges. Riders will start in Albenga before finishing, as always, in Laigueglia. The route introduces key features this year, including the iconic Cipressa climb and a 12.6 km stretch along the Cycling Riviera – Ciclovia Riviera dei Fiori. The decisive moments are expected on the final circuit, where competitors will face the Colla Micheri climb multiple times before concluding on Corso Badarò, returning to the course after several years.

With leaders Antonio Tiberi and Santiago Buitrago, Bahrain Victorious aims for a top-three finish, ideally placing two riders in the top ten, and hopes to see their names inscribed on Laigueglia’s celebrated “muretto” wall.

Sports Director Gorazd Štangelj said: “We’re happy to return to racing on the roads of Liguria. Antonio has started the season strongly in the UAE, and Santiago comes in after racing in Australia and the Colombian National Championships. The rest of the team will focus on protecting them and bringing them safely to the final circuit. The key climb repeats three times, and winning will require either a strong solo move or the speed to out-sprint a reduced group.”

All other riders will compete in Trofeo Laigueglia for the first time. Several arrive in strong form after recent races in France, including Roman Ermakov, Rainer Kepplinger, and young Development Team rider Kasper Borremans, while Oliver Stockwell replaced Jakob Omrzel in Sunday’s race.

Bahrain Victorious begins the Italian block with confidence, aiming to make an early impact on one of the season’s most prestigious European circuits.