Buitrago Powers Bahrain Victorious to Laigueglia Win

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain Victorious kicked off their Italian campaign in style at the Trofeo Laigueglia (1.Pro), with Santiago Buitrago claiming a solo victory and Antonio Tiberi completing the podium in third after a sprint defeat to Romain Grégoire (Groupama–FDJ).

The 192 km race, in its 63rd edition, came alive on the final circuit. Early breakaway survivor Louis Vervaeke (Soudal Quick-Step) held a solitary lead for nearly 70 km, but the decisive moves came on the repeated climbs of Colla Micheri. Bahrain Victorious set the pace, sending Buitrago and Tiberi into the attack, immediately joined by Grégoire and Quinten Hermans (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team). The quartet caught Vervaeke near the second climb, before Hermans was dropped on a further acceleration.

On the final ascent, Buitrago surged clear, leaving both Tiberi and Grégoire behind. Tiberi stayed close to Grégoire, who managed to win the sprint for second, 25 seconds off the Colombian’s flying finish.

“It’s incredible to start the season with a win here in Liguria, where I lived in 2019,” Buitrago said. “The team rode perfectly, and it’s great to have Antonio on the podium as well. On the final climb, we made our move knowing Grégoire is strong in a sprint. Now we turn our focus to Tirreno–Adriatico.”

Bahrain Victorious controlled the race from the early kilometers, working tirelessly to protect their leaders over a course that included the new start in Albenga, the iconic Cipressa climb, and a 12.6 km stretch along the Cycling Riviera. The decisive Colla Micheri circuit and Laigueglia finish ensured that only the strongest riders contested victory.

Sports Director Gorazd Štangelj reflected: “The plan was always to reach the final circuit and decide the race there. Santi felt strong and went for the win solo, while Antonio stayed with Grégoire for the podium sprint. The team executed the plan perfectly and showed great intelligence and cohesion.”

Buitrago’s first victory of the season, paired with Tiberi’s podium, gives Bahrain Victorious a strong start to their Italian racing block, which continues with Strade Bianche, Tirreno–Adriatico, and will culminate in Milano–Sanremo. The performance demonstrated the team’s strength, depth, and ambition at the very start of the season.