Team Bahrain Victorious is pleased to announce that Damiano Caruso will remain with the team 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, the Italian once again demonstrated his enduring class, finishing ninth overall in the General Classification, claiming a podium finish on Stage 17 and being recognised as the race’s Most Combative Rider after animating the race throughout 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 Eulálio during a breakthrough Grand Tour for the young Portuguese rider. Eulálio spent nine days in the Maglia Rosa, secured the Maglia Bianca and finished sixth overall in the General Classification, 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.

The 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 España stage victory and a runner-up finish at the 2021 Giro d’Italia already on his palmarès, 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.

Damiano Caruso commented:

“For me, this feels like a very natural step. 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.

I would like to thank the management and everyone at Bahrain Victorious for giving me the opportunity to continue this journey with the team after my racing career. It means a lot to me that I can remain part of this project and continue working with our riders, helping them grow and sharing not only my experience and knowledge, but also the passion and values that this sport has given me throughout my career.

I also want to thank all of the staff and my teammates. This year they helped me believe in myself and pushed me every day to keep giving my best. Their support allowed me to perform at a high level and reminded me how special this team is.

At the same time, 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.”

Milan Eržen, Managing Director of Bahrain Victorious, said:

“We are very happy that Damiano will continue with Bahrain Victorious after he finishes racing. He has been an important part of the team for a long time and understands our culture, our riders and our way of working. He has also become a great mentor for many of our younger riders, and that experience will be invaluable as he moves into a Sports Director role. First, however, we are looking forward to enjoying the remainder of his final season as a rider.”

Rod Ellingworth, Performance Manager of Bahrain Victorious, said:

“Damiano is a natural fit for this role. He’s already been mentoring many of our younger riders for a number of years and has become someone they trust and respect. The big advantage is that he’s coming straight from the peloton. He’s raced alongside this generation of riders, understands how the sport continues to evolve and knows first-hand what is required to compete at the highest level today. That experience, combined with his character and leadership qualities, will make him a real asset to our Sports Director group.”